Equally Divided

Wells Little Theatre Group’s

Production of 

“Equally Divided”

Directed by Jacki Watts, assisted by Janice Holwill,

Producer – Tom Creswick

 

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative 

  on behalf of Kate Marshall

on Thursday, 6th, March, 2025

at Wells Little Theatre, Chamberlain Street, Wells, Somerset.

PLEASE NOTE: 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

Wells Little Theatre has a chequered history but has ended up as a charming theatre venue with an intimacy not always achieved by larger venues. The evening I attended was well supported with almost a full house ready to enjoy the show. My guest and I were made very welcome and I almost wished this venue was in my area.

We were treated to an excellent set squeezed onto the small stage. The play called for a home within an old railway carriage. The furniture formed a small lounge were every shelf/ space/ table was given over to a huge collection of small treasures. The deceased owner of the carriage had spent all her wealth on collecting items from auctions and second hand shops. Thorough the windows we could see visitors approaching the home via the garden. So much trouble had been spent on the set which was instantly a star of the play. It was marred slightly from some wayward lights on the rear garden flats which I found distracting. When they were off we saw a dark space on the rear wall. I’m sure this would have been corrected for the next day as no one wanted that wonderful set spolit. At either end of the “carriage” were doors leading to other rooms. Sadly there were no main tabs so the end of scenes or passing of time could only be indicated by dimming of the lights. This lead to a confused audience not knowing when to applaud – especially on the last scene. And this audience really wanted to applaud the cast! I have taken time to talk about the set as I believe it was the fifth star in this show. Most audiences would only notice a set if there was something badly wrong with it. Good scenery is not appreciated until after the play but it can make of break a play without the audience knowing.  My sincere congratulations go to Mike Scammell and Mark Wall on a job well done. 

I will talk about the cast shortly but will mention the play next. Ronald Harwood is probably best known for his plays “The Dresser” and “The Handyman”. In my humble view tonights play was not on the same level. Outwardly it appears to have all the ingredients for a real treat – warring Sisters, the settlement of a will and some male interest in the two Sisters. And it commences well but I do not think the plot was continued clearly enough or was complex enough to sustain a full length play. I felt that the author ran out of steam by the interval! Yes this is just one view but I do feel that the play did not deserve the care, love and attention that this group of talented people gave to it. At the end of the evening I felt that it was unsatisfactory and Harwood’s views had not been fully explained or delivered. 

Casting in this play was very good and everyone gave their all to the parts.

I’ll start with the role of Edith Tayor. Played by Jo. This actress gave me the icing on the cake with her opening speech. A beautifully natural long telephone call. This was great acting and set the bench mark for the show’s standard as far as I was concerned. I so enjoyed that speech and could really believe that there was someone on the other end of the line. Her whole role shone with expressed or supressed feelings. She was up and down in her emotions and we all felt for her. I really wanted a happy ending for her.  

Her Sister Renata Taylor was played by Naomi. Another very energetic performance. Perhaps the early appearance was slightly too much but it did provide a good contrast to when she broke down and the truth of her feelings came to light. These actresses were a good foil to each other and we see that no sister had a better life than the other. 

Charles Mowbray – played by Ken. Another good casting with a strong actor not afraid of underacting in his role. A gentle touch to a well-balanced performance. 

Fabian Hill – played by Kevin. Just love the name Fabian – really sets the character. A great part to play.  There is such a change in the view we have of the man as the part moves on. 

Thanks to everyone who made me feel so welcome to this terrific venue. Great people, great group and a really professional show. My apologies that I didn’t like the material. All the best for your future shows

Kind regards

 

Bob Allen (standing in for Kate Marshall)

NODA  South West District 14 Representative

 

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen.

 

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