Entertaining Angels

Entertaining Angels as part of the Hailsham Festival was a very good choice as it contained comedy with some poignancy giving the cast full scope in using their talents.

As the curtains opened, the set thoroughly deserved the round of applause that was forthcoming.  Such a lovely garden scene in full bloom with even a cleverly designed stream that was used when more intimate conversations were necessary.  The description of a rural English country garden was very apt.

The protagonist, Grace, was played by Jayne Cottrell as the widow who is in two minds about everything since her husband died.  In her conversations with the rest of the cast and especially with her dead husband, the retired Vicar, her performance was ideal and when her sister’s secret comes to light the consequences certainly change her character!

Peter Coleman played the deceased Bardolph who was only seen by Grace and he gave the part everything that was needed.

Ruth, Grace’s sister, was played by Helen Baird with vivacity always trying to get her sister to make up her mind about moving on in her widowhood.  Ruth has returned from the mission field and eventually her secret that she has a thirty year old son by Grace’s husband is revealed which certainly stirs things up!

Emma Dann gave a lovely performance as Grace’s daughter and she, together with her Aunt Ruth, were concerned about Grace’s habit of talking to herself when of course she was conversing with her late husband.

Sarah (Georgia Jones) was also a character in two minds.  As the newly appointed Vicar of the Parish, did she really want to move into the Vicarage or did she want to move on to something else?  Another excellent performance.

All the ups and downs and ins and outs of this story were well handled by all and as the Director said in her comments in the programme, "it was a bittersweet comedy which was much enjoyed".

Congratulations to all involved whether on or off stage and especially to Director Diane Morris for using her expertise in bringing this play to the Hailsham Festival.                                                          

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.