Dr Tarot's Twisted Tales

We arrived in plenty of time, since the Playhouse had pushed back the 3pm curtain up time to allow the bar and upstairs area to clear of patrons for theatre 1. Eve-Marie kindly apologised for this, which was of course out of her control. 

Seated in the front row we observed tables draped in cloths on which were flickering candles and beside which stood a chair. Projected scenery proved to be excellent at enhancing each act.  Music was chosen to fit the mood before the show commenced and a good choice of musical accompaniment continued throughout.  A well designed lighting plot set the scene beautifully.

I was told before the show that the inspiration for the play came from a late close relative of Eve-Marie and their love of the Tarot cards.  And so, with Jack Downey as the Magician and Master of Ceremonies, we entered a world full of intrigue, as one by one the thirteen cards were introduced by Jack in his own inimitable and very amusing fashion. Each, we are told in the programme, has a twisted tale to tell.

A very talented group of people had come together to enact the cards. I was very impressed with Linda Helm-Manley, firstly representing the Devil by reciting her own version of Jekyll and Hyde and secondly as The Tower with another well animated recitation, this time of Dracula and accompanied by members of the company,

A lovely excerpt from Les Sylphides by Roisin Murphy was followed by Judgement, a good performance by Flo Donovan.  The first half finished with The Empress and “Poison”.  Well done to the ladies in the cast.

Each of the acts was performed to a very high standard.  I very much enjoyed Jack Downey’s version of Love Potion No. 9 and leading the cast in the closing number Time Warp, representing Ten of Cups.  Well done to Ginny Elliston-Madden as The Queen of Swords, or rather Boudicca, killing off the Romans.

Another lovely dance interlude by Roisin Murphy, this time partnered by Will Ashdown and followed by five ladies as five dolls performing to End of the World. 

There is only room in this report to mention some of the acts, but I was very impressed with everyone’s performance, especially as I understand there was a short rehearsal period.

This was a unique production.  It was well directed and choreographed with a good pace kept up throughout.  Costumes were good and the show was enhanced by the excellent lighting effects.

I notice that at the foot of the programme the show was described as a work in progress.  In my opinion it was a job well done! Congratulations to all involved.

Thank you for inviting me, we had a very enjoyable, albeit rather spooky afternoon.

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