George's Marvellous Medicine

Roald Dahl’s children’s story of a young boy inventing a magic potion to put paid to his horrible grandmother’s unwanted stay on his parents farm has, no doubt been read by children of all ages, who also want to treat other adults in the same manner.  It is certainly a fun story with a science fiction theme or is it wizardry in the Harry Potter sense. No matter, it has adapted to the stage and makes for a very entertaining show.

Kenzie Greenwood as the mischievous George, is on holiday from school and helping his father and mother by, albeit somewhat reluctantly doing various jobs around the farm. The characterisation was impish, sulky, pleasing and happy by degrees. showing many moods. There was a great deal of control and tendency to keep the character within bounds without going over the top. The use and rapport with the audience was pure pantomime and one could imagine her playing a panto role in this mood. Here we have a member of the group with a great deal of talent, much to offer and in my opinion a future asset to the society.

Father, Killy Kranky and mother Mary Kranky were ably played by Ian Dobson and Karen McCarthy, she in trepidation about her mother coming to stay and he not wanting her at all. ( blooming mother-in-law, he states). However when George’s medicine transforms both her and a chicken into giants he can see the money rolling in and himself being rewarded by top honours for helping sole the world’s food problems. These two roles were played at each end of the spectrum, he enthusiastically chasing the dream and she subdued, passive and constantly worrying about the farm, her mother and everything else she could account for. Two of the society’s stalwarts turning in yet again very commendable performances.

Polly Stephenson as Grandma was superb in her role, a real crotchety and demanding harridan for whom nothing was good enough, always wanting prime attention. She showed great changes of character in the “dream sequences” where there were time changes in the plot as George wished to know what Grandma would be like in different circumstances. Again there was much attention to detail in her character, finishing up with a complex part and living every moment of it.

In her debut performance with Whitby ADS, Mandy Davidson stunned the audience with her appearance as the giant chicken, this being the result of swallowing some of grandma’s medical concoction as produced by George. A tall young lady in a giant chicken outfit was an instant hit with the audience, especially the children. She played her part with energy and enthusiasm, not being overawed or embarrassed. It was a delight to see her.

The audience must not go without being mentioned for their participation in the show. On several occasions they were encouraged by George and the children in particular were very vociferous when George tried to remake his medicine. It is always a bonus to have an appreciative audience as their infectious laughter at the various escapades helps the cast.

It is always difficult to stage a show such as this without a flying tower but the society produced a good and workable set which was well lighted and the effects were of a high standard.

Chris Wales, the director had worked extremely hard over a four week period to put this show together and his success was not only with the cast but in providing good entertainment for the audiences. This was indeed an excellent production

  

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