First Sight

Ormskirk Theatre Company is keen to support and give local writers and groups the chance to perform. This night was devoted to two one Act plays... the first written and performed by Emily Parr...the second written by Cliff Gillies and performed by the Too Friendly Theatre Company

The first play ‘No Coward Soul’ was written and performed by the ever so talented Emily Parr. The play is a one-act play about a woman in the midst of a painfully amicable divorce, striving to survive alone.

Equipped with just a table, a couple of chairs, a laptop and a bag full of props Emily, for just over a hour, had the audience in the ‘palm of her hand’ and took us on a journey of ‘possibly self reflection’ and what a journey it was!  This talented young writer and performer brought to life no less than thirty seven different characters all of which were so easily identified by their ‘accent’ and ‘mannerism’. 

Emily had great stage presence, a wonderful aptitude for storytelling which was so easy to follow, confidence and energy aplenty. I can’t wait to see and hear more stories from this very talented young lady!

The second play was ‘First Sight’ written by the very talented Cliff Gillies and performed by the Too Friendly Theatre Company.   The action takes place in the ‘anteroom’ of a church where we join ‘Michael,’ played by Cliff Gillies, on his big day!  There he receives a package containing love letters spanning twenty years; what unfolds will restore your faith in life, in hope and in love!

Cliff was joined on stage by Chloe Hughes playing the part of ‘Helen’ and Mark Haygarth playing the part of ‘Chris’.  Individually great – together as a team - fabulous!  I could so easily start describing each person’s individual attributes, but for me, this was very much a ‘team effort’!  The ‘chemistry’ between the three was ‘tangible’ an essential element I would say for this play to work and work it did!  From the first word to the last tear it was the ‘chemistry’ between the three that made this play the success that it most certainly was!

Having said all that, I do feel it would be remiss of me to not mention the ability of all three actors... each was able to individualise their own character,  give that character life and make them so believable and relevant ... so well done to all three of you!  

I won’t go into detail about the twists and turns of this play only to say there are plenty and by expanding on the plot would spoil it for others!  What I will say... ‘IT COULD BE WORSE, IT COULD BE RAINING!  If you can get the chance to see this play... make the effort... well worth it!

The staging was minimal as was the lighting which was in the capable hands of Neil Woods.

Thanks to Too Friendly Theatre Company for inviting my wife and I. We thoroughly enjoyed your play and the evening as a whole. Thanks to Emily Parr for her wonderful play and performance and finally thanks to Ormskirk Theatre Company for their warm welcome.   Hope to see you all very soon.

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