Disposing of the body

On entering the auditorium the stage curtains were drawn back and a group of persons, later appearing as cast members, were seated centre stage; they remained motionless and silent until the performance commenced. No explanation given as to why this form of introduction had been adopted, nor why a similar format was used at the conclusion of the performance. However, the programme notes did contain the Director’s decision - that this production would have a radical, minimalist, and at times, surreal direction. The plot features the ordinariness of recently retired Henry Preece (played by Jed Laxton) and what follows when he unexpectedly becomes involved in a passionate affair with his neighbour, married Joanna Barley (played by Jules Jones) who comes to work for him. The author of this play, Hugh Whitemore, is a highly regarded playwright and screenwriter and in this particular work he focusses on the effects of those who become involved in extra-marital affairs and their families. Though this situation is often used as a basis for theatrical farce, situations such as those on which this play is based, more frequently have serious and devastating effects on those concerned. Here was an opportunity to produce a most moving and powerful performance featuring a common occurrence in many lives but, despite much effort from the cast, lack of pace was largely responsible for hindering that. Perhaps the provision of more physical support for the players in the form of scenery, props, set changes, even some incidental music, etc.  may have helped achieve this?   

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