GHOST WRITER

A super evening – well-written play, good direction, excellent cast and great set.  What more could we want!  This was TADS at its best.

Every point was directed well, with the actors looking at home in their parts, and navigation of the stage well-considered.

The set was a triumph for the small stage – plenty there but it didn’t seem crowded, nicely designed by the Director, with Scenic Artist (Andrew Naish) giving it his special touch of reality, and dressed with suitable props.  I loved the effects, such as the doors appearing to open by themselves, the curtains blowing, the picture dropping sideways to reveal a message, and the bed apparently moving by itself – all making this a visual feast, enhanced by sympathetic and atmospheric lighting.

Costumes were suitable for each character, lovely to see Ruby (the ghost) in something imaginative and elegant.

Rory White (Edward) gave a superlative performance as the troubled writer, struggling to make sense of his wife’s death, drinking too much and existing on the largesse of his gay friend!  A part that allowed Rory to explore all the aspects of Edward’s life with authority.  I thought his portrayal was remarkable.

Barry Hyde (Alex) played Edward’s gay friend, not too over the top, but believable, trying to keep Edward on the straight and narrow, whilst supplying alcohol and girlfriends!  Nicely done.

Jude Stacey (Ruby), Edward’s dead wife, returning as a ghost to try and find out who murdered her – a wonderful piece of acting, a good foil to Edward, she made her part real but earthily ethereal, so good.

Janine Wall (Glenda) as the girlfriend made her very timid to start with then gaining in audacity as she got more drunk!  Well done.

Andrew Naish (Hedley) the itinerant actor, bordering on alcoholic and slightly camp, was a study in keeping the characterisation under control, and I loved it when he died – how he managed to keep still for so long, and also when the bows took place – great fun.

Jane Murdoch (Frances) the bitter, slightly brash actress, was everything she needed to be to create a contrast between her and Glenda – a very good portrayal.

Everything about this play was ‘right’ -  I loved every aspect and there was humour thrown into the mix as well.  My thanks to TADS for their hospitality, and a super evening’s entertainment.

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