Fallen Angels

Nestled in the heart of South Shields, the Westovians Theatre recently played host to a delightful production of Noël Coward's classic comedy "Fallen Angels." Performed by the distinguished Westovians, this rendition of Coward's sparkling play was a refreshing burst of wit and charm.

The set remarkably evoked the glamorous and humorous ambiance of the 1920s, transporting the audience to a bygone era with every meticulously placed prop and elegant pieces of furniture. The set was not just a backdrop, but an integral part of the storytelling, adding depth and vibrancy to the performance.

Further adding to the charm of the production were the costumes. The cast was adorned in attire that perfectly encapsulated the elegance and sophistication of the 1920s and added a level of authenticity that aided their performance and the audience’s experience.

Claire Ball and Hannah Daglish played the Central characters ‘Julia’ and ‘Jane.’ Like a 1920’s ‘Ab Fab’ ‘Eddie’ and ‘Patsy;’ these actors complimented each other perfectly. Claire did a superb job at capturing the slightly neurotic and anxious Julia, embodying the sophisticated yet worried demeanour of a 1920s woman. In contrast, as the more adventurous and free-spirited of the duo Jane, Hannah Daglish brought a spirited vivacity to her role, exuding confidence, and charm in every scene. With her playful demeanour and engaging performance, their contrasting personalities created the dynamic and entertaining partnership that drives the comedic brilliance of this play. Along with drinking, eating, smoking, dancing, and sewing, learning, and delivering such an extensive number of lines is no small feat, a job Clare and Hannah did with remarkable poise and precision. Both actors are to be highly commended for their exceptional performances, which showcased their remarkable talent and versatility.

With impeccable timing and keen observation, Karen as ‘Saunders’ subtly influenced the unfolding drama, and her comedic elements were both sharp and delightful. Director Hannah Potter’s decision to have Saunders subtly transform the stage for the next scene was a stroke of genius, creating seamless transitions that were scarcely noticed and giving this great character and actor more time to charm her audience. Her portrayal was nothing short of hilarious with her wit and charm brightening each scene she graced.

In act one, the stage was predominantly occupied by the three ladies, building the anticipation of the arrival of Maurice. They did such a wonderful job; I found myself as eager as Julia and Jane to finally see him and was almost giddy when he finally did!

Micheal Brimer played Jane’s husband ‘Willy’ and Peter Dawson played Julia’s husband ‘Fred.’ Micheal brought a quiet strength and affable charm to the role of Willy. His portrayal was marked by a calm demeanour and a sense of steadfastness that complemented Jane's more neurotic character. Willy's solid presence and straightforward nature provided a stable counterpoint to the humorous chaos that unfolded around him. Micheal portrayed great anger in a measured and thoughtful presence and his ability to convey his emotions resonated with the audience.

Peter played Julia’s husband Fred with remarkable energy and flamboyance. His performance was characterised by a lively exuberance and a slightly pompous air, which contrasted sharply with Julia's anxious sophistication. Peter's presence on stage was nothing short of luminous; his cigarette handling, posture, and impeccable 1920s middle-class accent were all executed with remarkable finesse. This performance was so convincing, I felt like I was observing a genuine person who had somehow travelled through time, rather than an actor embodying a role.

Maurice Duclos, as portrayed by Bill Innes, is the story’s most anticipated character. His arrival heightens the drama and intrigue, evoking eager anticipation from the audience and Bill’s short yet convincing portrayal made all our anticipation worth it. With a suave French accent and charming demeanour Bill masterfully seduced everyone on stage, providing a delightfully comedic and fitting conclusion to the production.

As both an actor and director, I must praise the intricate elements of the production that elevated its quality to near-professional levels. The inclusion of authentic smoking, permeating the theatre with the scent of cigarettes, the cozy fireplace in the corner, real eating and drinking on stage, the already mentioned superb attention to period set and costumes and the deft use of lighting to transition from day to night all contributed profoundly to the play's immersive experience.

In conclusion, Westovians "Fallen Angels" was a masterful blend of exquisite set design, period-authentic costumes, and stellar performances that transported the audience to the glamorous 1920s. Each cast member delivered their role with remarkable precision, bringing humour, depth, and vibrancy to the stage. The production's meticulous attention to detail, created an immersive theatrical experience that captivated the audience. Congratulations to the Westovians breathing new life into a century-old production and delivering an outstanding performance. Thank you again and Good Luck with your upcoming production of ‘The Good Life.’

 

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