Drinking Habits

Nunthorpe Players’ evening at a Catholic convent for their production of “Drinking Habits” was a most enjoyable one, from the ambient tables setting in the hall to the lovely performances from the cast of 8, and supporting production team creating the static set with lovely décor, using stone wall, religious pieces and stained glass window that was most effective.

The comedy plot by Tom Smith provided the usual farce structures of quick wit, chaotic physical scenes and eccentric characters that debut director Helen Franks put on to stage in a flowing and enchanting performance. The story of 3 nuns fighting for their survival from closure, by the 2 nuns plus the gardener brewing wine behind the Mother Superior’s back is set to be uncovered by 2 reporters going in as under cover characters, along with a visitor from the Cardinal’s office who threatens to undermine the local priest all brings scenes of hilarious nature and great performances.

Julie Hobson as the Mother Superior was very comical character with eccentricity and great energy, getting more frantic and dishevelled as the plot unravelled.  Lee Blake played the area’s priest Father Chenille, who had a very gentile and serene accent in contrast and a character that gradually showed his insecurities with time. The 2 nuns had great comedy characterisations Sister Augusta played well by Tracy Legg and Sister Philomena performed excellently by Clare Byron with such manic emotions and endless energy was a joy to watch.  Terry Pritchard was “George” the simpleton gardener, as a slow talking kindly man, was delivered with lovely character.   The 2 reporters as a broken couple now working together became the undercover deceivers with fabulous frolics from Neil Mapplebeck as Paul, in a variety of costumes and yet lovely emotional character in the second half too, whilst trying to woo back his love Sally acted by Hannah Barker as the ambitious agent wanting to source the scoop story who would resort to all underhand as Sister Mary Mary to gain her glory.  Suspected cardinal spy Sister Mary Catherine was played by Jane Passman with lovely energy and pleasantness, also with great feistiness in later scenes.

The performances all had good volume throughout and characterisations with lovely facial expressions and comedy timing worked well.  The costumes were all authentic, both with the clergy, and day clothes, and I particularly enjoyed the mimed section to conclude Act I, and the twist at the end of the play with family reveals and a happy ending for all.

Lovely play and performances.  Well done all. 

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