Far From The Madding Crowd

I received a very warm welcome on my first visit to Maldon Drama Club.  The foyer was full of activity and had a good display of photographs. 

Nikita Eve gave a confident and assured performance as Bathsheba Everdene, from her first entrance to the end of the show, she ensured that we understood all the emotions that Bathsheba was experiencing. Paul Bonnici was the gentle Gabriel Oak, demanding our sympathy as the rejected first suitor of Bathsheba.  Paul and Nikita handled their changing relationship really well.  Farmer Boldwood, a more pompous character, played by Neil Fisher was Bathsheba’s next suitor.  Fanny Robin was played by Ruth Carden and she portrayed Fanny with excitement and energy when she was with Francis Troy, played by Ian McDonald early on in the story.  We saw his early negativity towards her, and her being oblivious to that; and we saw that relationship develop throughout, culminating in his behaviour when he finds out about her death. 

The principals were supported well by the rest of the cast; particularly Joseph Poorgrass, Henry Fray and Matthew Moon. We got a real sense of community from all the ensemble members.  Voices were always clear and everyone continued acting throughout.  The cellist, Sylvie Mann, playing live was a nice touch as well.  

The black outs at the end of each scene for small scene change meant that the performance was quite disjointed, but it was great to see the use of the projected video or image to give us a good understanding of location or situation, without having to do major scene changes.  

Overall a good production that lacked a little confidence from some performers, and a little pace which was partly to do with the lines and partly to do with the scene changes. Everyone was enthusiastic for the piece, and it was a great team effort to bring the whole thing together.  Congratulations to Neil David & Norah Lovely, and the rest of the cast, crew and team. 

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