Groping for Words

Groping for Words is a play written by the well-known author, Sue Townsend, most famous for her Adrian Mole Diary series of books. Apparently Sue was a “late reader” and left school without qualifications at age 15. She therefore had a personal interest in adult literacy, and this play is I suspect based on her experiences. As you would expect from Sue Townsend, it is amusing, interesting, informative and at times heart-rending.

It deals with a new literacy class which is being set up in a day centre by a doctor’s wife, and her first batch of students. We learn the back story of all of the characters in stages, and I became aware of the barriers faced by people with poor literacy. Apparently there are 2.4 million adults in the UK who cannot read, and I found that quite shocking. Problems ranging from not being able to fill in a form to apply for unemployment benefit, to not being able to read a letter from your daughter who has emigrated to Australia, were highlighted.

The stage was truly impressive, with most of the scenes set in a kindergarten room. This was bright and colourful, and furnished beautifully with children’s furniture, toys and paintings - loaned, I believe, by Olive and Alfie for the duration of the play. The set construction team and artists involved in the murals and floor painting (a huge snakes and ladders board) need to be heartily congratulated.

Donnamarie Stamp had chosen her cast well and directed them sympathetically. Lizzie Brookes as Joyce, the teacher, was very convincing, and brought a lump to my throat in the small scenario with the doll’s pram and doll. Lloyd Hawkins as the gentle Kevin was, I thought, magnificent and completely believable. Shane Lale as George, the (illiterate) temporary assistant caretaker with a fierce intelligence and hidden rage, was perfectly cast and well played. And Myeisha Wilkinson as the stroppy teenager with no common sense, (and no sense of rhythm!!) was excellent. Apparently Myeisha is a product of the RLT Youth Theatre, and if this is the quality of their product then Amateur Dramatics has a bright future in Retford.

Costumes, make-up, lighting and clarity of sound were all first class. The production was managed seamlessly, and front-of-house management was also exemplary. The programme was informative and clearly set out, but unfortunately did not mention NODA at all, which is a shame as it means that it cannot be entered for NODA’s programme awards competition.

The audience on the night I was there was of a good size, although I was told that numbers have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

This is my first visit to Retford Little Theatre and I have to say I am impressed. The building of the theatre itself was apparently initiated and funded by members, on a site leased from the local council. It is a lovely little intimate theatre, and I was welcomed enthusiastically by various members- thank you for your hospitality.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.