Eight

Nantwich Players were back on stage with their production of ‘Eight’ by Ella Hickson, another play as part of their Studio productions. This production was directed by Maximilian Clay and Luke Murphy, and consisted of eight monologues. Although there were eight separate monologues, there was a great ensemble feel to the production. All the performers were onstage for the entirety of the production, watching from the sides. The transitions between the monologues were well choreographed with the cast moving around the space and setting the scene for the next monologue. There was a raised platform centrally, which was used for a variety of different things throughout the production. Other pieces of furniture were brought on during the transitions, ready for the next performer. The direction for each of the monologues was good. The performers were engaging, and used the acting space well. To have the performers appear in other monologues as a sleeping boyfriend or a deceased body was a great idea, giving more depth to the monologue being performed. It also allowed the performer to interact with an actual body, and not having to imagine it. The costumes were appropriate for each character, from the sharp business suit of Miles, to Millie’s pristine white tennis dress.

Technical aspects were very good throughout. The lighting design was good, as was the sound design. Songs were used during the transitions that were related to each monologue. The coloured lighting bars on the chairs around the set were cued well during the transitions, adding some colour to the production.

Lorenzo Carcione started the production as Jude, a student travelling to France. A story of adventure and lust, Lorenzo did well with this monologue. There was a believability in his performance, especially when encountering his French landlady.

Huw Sweet-Smith took to the stage as Danny, a young soldier who lost his leg in Iraq. The agonising scream from Huw was raw and real. Danny ends up working in a mortuary, and finds solace among the dead bodies. Perhaps a sign of PTSD.

Edward Rolfe played Miles, an American businessman impacted by the 7/7 terror attack in London. Edward sustained the American accent throughout. This was an interesting monologue, and Edward did well with the character arc.

Closing the first half was Matilda Lewis-Morgan as Bobby, a young Scottish mother who is struggling financially. Matilda had a great accent throughout her performance. She was able to put the emotion across well.

Molly McGinn was a comic delight as Millie, telling the audience all about her escapades with married men. This was a fun performance, and it was clear that Molly enjoyed performing it. Molly had a great sense of comedy, delivering the comedic lines with ease. This was a great performance.

Dawn Hazelwood put in a sincere performance as Mona, a young lady with a difficult upbringing. The staging of this monologue was good, and the simple use of Dawn putting her arm through the arm of a coat to create another character was totally effective.

Stephen Clay did well as Andre, a man who had just found his husband had hanged himself. Stephen embodied this character, as a sarcastic and bitchy gay man, as he told the story of how he met his husband. This was a good performance from Stephen.

Closing the production was Anastasia Newton, who played Astrid, sneaking in after a night out. Anastasia gave an engaging performance, drawing the audience into her story. This was a very strong performance from Anastasia.

Overall, this was a good production. The ensemble playing throughout was strong, there were some very good performances, and the overall direction was secure.

A big thank you to everyone at Nantwich Players for their kind invite.

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