Faith Healer

So good to be able to attend a WDS production again.  I was reassured that the environment was Covid-safe and all necessary precautions had been taken to make this a pleasurable experience for all.

The play was very well-written and took the form of monologues sharing the memories of each character.  The script took into account the different way each character remembered the same event, which was so true to life.  A well-directed piece.

The set was sufficient for the piece, with suitable lighting, and costumes gave the feel of each character, without being overdone.

Jonathan Field took the part of Frank Hardy, the Faith Healer.  Not knowing the play, when he first appeared I wondered what we were in for!  The opening was very atmospheric, creating the feel of the subject matter.  Jonathan gave a powerful performance of a beautifully written piece.  His Irish accent was soft but believable, easy on the ear, but getting more strident in emotional moments. 

Julie Gough played Grace, Frank’s wife.  Again a strong performance, which made it clear how much she was used and abused by Frank.  Good observations, delivered with reflection and fervour.  I was mesmerised by Jonathan and Julie, they held the audience’s attention throughout.

Teddy, Frank’s manager, was played by Malcolm Hobbs, who adopted a slightly more laid back approach, which was a good foil to Frank and Grace, and all through I wondered why he had stuck with Frank all those years, then it came to light near the end that he’d been in love with Grace, which gave him a reason to stay.  Malcolm kept his portrayal calm, but with conviction, with a very poignant ending.

I was very impressed by the writing and the way it was portrayed, acted with such power, strength and understanding, a super production.

My thanks to WDS for their hospitality, and an engrossing production.

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