Dick Barton Special Agent

What a warm welcome for me at the Harleston Players production of Dick Barton- Special Agent. I was shown to my seat and awaited, with anticipation, a play that I had no experience of nor knew anything about the radio show that had inspired Phil Willmott

It began (and ended) with the 1940’s microphone and BBC Announcer (Jake Hithersay) talking into it, with passion another exaggerated adventure of Dick Barton. Jake’s diction was clear. This is a drama, a spoof of the original, with the over-the-top characterisations of each person involved and these were depicted with style. Dick Barton (Mike Davison) had looked into the visual man, which had only ever been heard over the airwaves and showed a very ‘true’ personality of the part. The cast (Barry Givens, Christina Kenna, Roy Goodwin, David Cumming, Lawrie Hammond, Helen Farrar and Rafe Harrlen played multiple parts in the story, using different accents with skill and talent and wearing appropriate costumes with the style needed to portray ‘said’ characters. A total teamwork production.

The Director (Mary Frendo), Producer (Keith Stean) worked to create a whole picture in 3D, what was initially just a radio programme to great success. The songs, which ran through the drama were traditionally known by the audience, but re-written and adapted to the storyline. This was cleverly executed, although occasionally needed clear diction.

The sets, furniture and props showed touches of originality and were appropriate to the portrayed era. I liked the minimalistic set and particularly the ‘Big Ben’ scene but care should be taken on ‘changes’ so as not to distract the audience from the plot.The costumes showed the 40s/50s times and the cast adapted their characters well to the ‘many’ changes, showing each personality differently with both accents and mannerisms.

The lighting was quite dark in places nad gave the ambience of the era, creating a characteristic feeling for the years involved.

I enjoyed the opening of Act 2 showing satirical spoofing of a nightclub and also the tap dancing, very funny.

On the whole, this company, both on stage and off worked together to create a very successful performance in every area. This was a very enjoyable afternoon for me. Congratulations to you all.         

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