Entertaining Angels

A production which I had not reviewed before and quite new to me, written by Richard Everett who kindly sent an email to the company with his best wishes for the production.

A really complex and emotional play which is classed as a comedy, albeit with very subtle and profound dialogue, and an undercurrent from early on that all is not as it seems.

It was very important to listen very carefully to the entire play for the  understated humour throughout.

Four ladies and one gentleman made up the cast, and all did very well in their respective roles.

Grace, the lead character played by Kathryn Cavender, was virtually on stage throughout the production, and was impecable in her delivery of so many lines and together with her sister Ruth, played by Brenda White-Robinson, both sparred off each other with some very personal issues which were revealed a little at a time as the show progressed. A strong character in Ruth from Brenda, with a secret which almost tore the sisters apart.

The daughter of Grace was Jo, played by Rosie Meloy, and the incoming Vicar Sarah, with Charlotte Root. Completing the cast was Frank Bye as Bardolph. Although in good form on stage it was his spirit throughout the play as the late husband of Grace we were watching, a former Vicar.

 All the cast  were well chosen in their roles and put their stamp on a variety of  different characters and styles.  Not an easy play for any society, with a very intricate plot and a lot of emotion which came over well.

The plot was rather drawn out with the storyline, and the second Act brought up even more revelations which revealed more twists and turns, but made sense and were always hovering just below the surface when thought about.

The sets are always of the best standard here, and the set for this production was immaculate with props and fixtures just perfect. The venue of the play took part mostly in a vicarage garden, which was perfectly staged and gave a peaceful tranquil feel to the production.

I think it was a very interesting choice and a very enjoyable production directed by Vicky Tearle.

All credit must also go to the set builders who deserve a special mention for the terrific set, and also the costumes and props which were well chosen and just right.

Thank you for a very enjoyable production, and also for the hospitality which was appreciated,

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