Flying Lessons

Just after Sarah’s production of Crushing Grapes she had started writing this her latest play, Flying Lessons.  It is centered around the leading character Pamela, a mother and grandmother exploring the relationships between her very large family, friends and neighbors. It was a very large cast of 18 characters and Sarah had even included a family tree in the programme.  

Jan Whittaker is perfect in the role playing the warm and caring mother, Pamela, always ready to help and support every member of her family, young and old, and never putting herself first. Many in the audience will surely relate to her, especially those with large families. Jan portrays her with empathy and  understanding, until her character begins to change and she starts enjoying life more.  All the action revolves around her, she is hardly ever off stage and gave a very impressive and confident performance.

The very large cast, especially in the opening half, were not always easy to identify in their relationship to Pamela, but all became much clearer in the second half allowing the characters to gel in the minds of the audience. They were well cast, thriving in their respective roles and gave enthusiasm and energy to their portrayals.  Too numerous to mention individually, several of whom were small cameo roles, as they were constantly flitting in and out of Pamela’s life. This did, to a degree, fragment the flow of the story although being necessary to highlight the emotions that Pamela was enduring. 

The set was centered around Pamela’s kitchen, which looked modern and well designed.  Other action taking place at either side of the stage including a revolving platform which was unfortunately somewhat noisy and distracting. The costuming was appropriate for the period.

This really was a story about one woman and was written in a wholly informed and perceptive manner by Sarah Lowen. Her thoughts and feelings were projected through Jan playing the lead in a very convincing and realistic way. The emotions that she was able to express hit home to us all and was a most impressive portrayal.

Well done to all the cast and crew playing to an appreciative audience.

Good to see you again Sarah, thank you for your hospitality and for taking the time to chat to us about your production.

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