Entertaining Angels

Entertaining Angels - 7/6/19

My first trip in my role as NODA Rep for District 2 to Thornton Little Theatre was to Windmill players' comedy Entertaining Angels by Richard Everett.

I didn’t know this script or the subject of this play so didn’t know what to expect.  It’s a lovely piece of theatre and a very clever script that has the audience locked into a real roller coaster ride of emotions!  I heard laughs and crying during the performance which is a good sign that the audience were really invested in the characters and the story as a whole.

The set was full and covered every inch if the stage and really effective in setting the scene of the vicarage of the late Rev. Bardolph.  The lighting was simple but very effective and there was a lovely use of spotlights to control the audiences focus.  The sound design for this piece was great.  It was nice to have the odd bird song and atmospheric sound cut through some of the silences in the scenes or in between the comedic lines.  The lawn mower was fab and used very effectively.  The direction of the play was handled very well by Jaqueline Rhodes & Judi Adams.  I have to say well done to Judi for her directorial debut.  I found the characterisations of the actors flitting to the story and the casting was spot on.  The use of rest from script and just making the actors act was lovely.  Some lovely interactions from the actors with each other was due to the casting and direction - well done.

My first note on the actors is for Anne George playing the role of Grace, the recently widowed wife of the departed Rev. Bardolph.  I was extremely impressed with Anne’s ability to change from comedy to tragedy within what felt like seconds.  She started the piece and had the audience on her side with her quick one liners, reminiscent of Mrs Bucket!!  Her delivery of the character was very natural and the more I watched the play she was more and more believable in her role. Good job. 

Playing the new Vicar to the village Sarah was Emma Louise Davies.  Sarah’s projection was fantastic, I sat at the back of the auditorium and though not the biggest theatre, every line was clear and effective.  Even the more delicate lines and more emotional parts of the script were well delivered.  Sarah’s use of facial expressions was very good, she proves that most acting happens when you’re not delivering a line. 

Ruth was the character played by Louise Evans, she played the sister of Grace.  A lovely character with some difficult parts again of flipping from comedy to serious lines very quickly.  Louise played opposite Anne as her sister beautifully and the relationship between the two was very believable. 

Karen Rogerson as the character Jo, completed the female contingent of this cast.  Jo played the lovely supporting role of Grace’s daughter.  Karen had a couple of the most memorable one liners that had the audience laughing out loud.  Her delivery of the character between the other actors was played with experience and confidence.  Some touching moments between her and Anne as Grace and also Emma as Sarah.  Well done. 

Rev. Bardolph, the only male character in this play was played by Chris Moxon.  My notes for Chris’ performance literally read “very vicar like!!” And I have to say his delivery of the lines was, I’m sure what Richard Everett would have heard in his head when writing the script.  He was believable as being a spirit with his numerous entrances and exits at poignant moments.  

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and the cast and production team have really done a great job in entertaining their audience.  There were many positive things being said during the interval and when leaving of the theatre and that to me proves that this piece must have been a success! Well done Windmill Players.

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