DI and VIV and ROSIE

Contrast Theatre took on a huge challenge with this piece. A powerful three hander spanning twenty seven years in all. Commencing in 1986, the first act covered three years from the first time the three met as students, all leaving home for the first time and making lasting friendships through the whole period of the play. The second act gave us insight into a longer period of time from 1986 until 2010. The minimal sets worked well with a typical student house, and other scenes were well depicted, together with the numerous props and the many costume changes well covered.

Three different students, coping with all aspects of University life. All four members of the cast were very experienced actors. I say four members as the role of Di was shared between Rachel Jones and Jennifer Appleton, each playing Di for two performances. The differences between the three characters was well defined by the experienced Director. The exuberant Art History student Rose, was enthusiastically portrayed by Ami Pritchard who loved life, loved men and sex and she commanded one’s attention from her first entrance. Big hearted Sociology student Viv, who stuck to her principles throughout all situations, was energetically played by Anne Davenport. Completing the trio, Di the super fit Business Studies Student, was characterised by Rachel Jones at two of the performances, bringing out the lesbian side of the piece. Jennifer Appleton portrayed Di at the two Saturday performances, and even though I didn’t witness Jen’s performances, I am assured that she fully justified her selection.   Without giving anything away, the cast coped well with the many humorous situations, and also the many sensitive and compassionate moments in the script.
Hard work by backstage crew was well rewarded, and all in all, even though each of the characters had their moments, it was and excellent insight into lasting friendships, which proved to be the best. Congratulations to all involved and thanks once again. Yet another feather in the cap for CONTRAST!

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