Growth

Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society kindly invited me to review their production of ‘Growth,’ a comedy play, written by Luke Norris. I will admit, I had never heard of this play, and not one for spoilers, I took my seat in complete ignorance. The story centres on Tobes, a young man who had successfully ignored a lump for two years but now it is getting in the way, affecting his sex life. Tobes had to ‘man-up’ and face his fears, meeting many different characters throughout his journey. This was a funny, emotive, and touching play about testicular cancer and how it effects the people involved.

Set within the round, Director Matt Parker chose a blank stage, props and furniture brought on as needed. Stage design, by James Clayton, had the audience sat facing each other, 20 feet away, surrounding the square stage area, it was all up close and personal. This was not a subject matter the audience could look away from. I enjoyed the up-close effect, each nuanced facial expression from the actors was unabashedly clear. The cast had confidence, using the stage area to its fullest, providing the audience with new angles of viewing throughout each scene. Some of the cast doubled up, playing more than one role. This did not detract from the show as different accents were often employed, marking out individuals. This was a jolly funny play; Matt Parker had guided his cast well. The dialogue was pacy, with many humorous moments that made the audience laugh aloud. Moreover, this play made the audience think as well as laugh, it had touching scenes and awkward conversations, it was bittersweet and terribly sad at one point: the scene in the counselling session where Tobes met Jamie and heard his story was heartbreaking. Matt and his cast and crew took this play and delivered it with integrity, to produce an entertaining and thought-provoking show.

Lewis Edwards played Tobes, the action picks up after a disappointing love making session whereupon his long-term girlfriend leaves him. He drifts through life with no real ambition, needy and self pitying. He then loses his job and after a one-night stand, he is forced to confront a large growth (on his nether regions) that he has previously ignored, I thought Lewis did tremendous well in this role. He had copious amounts of dialogue and rarely left the stage area. As the play progressed, he displayed all the emotional stages one would attribute to his situation, anger, pity, embarrassment, Lewis was versatile. I particularly enjoyed the scene where he found himself trying to explain his symptoms to the lady doctor and awkwardly flirted with her instead. His mannerisms and facial expressions throughout were well rehearsed, giving his characterisation a natural feel. Lewis gave a rounded performance, interacting with his fellow cast members with ease.

 Abi Lally played the role of Beth, Tobes’ girlfriend. Tired of their boring relationship, she dumped him in the opening scene, that effectively, set the tone for the entire play, things began on a downward spiral for Tobes. In Act 2, Abi also played Liza, pregnant girlfriend to Tobes’ best friend; Joff. In an emotionally charged scene Liza put Tobes in his place. Abi showed real emotion during this scene, two strong character performances.

Bill Joyce was comical as Tobes’ boss at the garden centre: Jared. After giving Tobes a good talking to and telling him to ‘Man up’ he promptly fired him. This was a witty, well delivered characterisation. Bill also appeared as Tobes’ roommate Billy, who was concerned about losing their flat, Billy chattered constantly, reminding Tobes that he was not the only person struggling through life. Bill gave clear, confident performances.

Katie Walker played Ellie; Tobes’ one night stand. This scene was full of subtle humour whilst confronting a significant issue. Ellie asks Tobes about his lump, convincing him to speak help and advice. Katie played this role with great timing, the dialogue causing ripples of laughter from the audience. Katie also appeared as Jo in Act 2, a brief cameo as ‘close friend’ to potential love interest Izzy.

Iain Mackness was busy in this production; having designed the sound, he then took to the stage playing both Tobes’ best friend Joff, and Jermaine, new boyfriend to Beth. Iain performed one of my favourite scenes: Tobes asked Joff to ‘feel his balls.’  It was a scene laced with an honesty only two best friends could have. Jolly funny to watch, deliberately embarrassing, very well acted. As Jermaine, dressed in his sports gear, he squared up to Tobes. Starting out civil then almost coming to blows as Tobes refused to move on with his life. Great performances from Iain.

Louise Parrish stood out in her two performances. Firstly, as Lily, the female doctor, where she had a Liverpudlian accent. Her scene with Tobes was achingly embarrassing, she stayed professional whilst he skirted around the subject, unable to say what his problem was despite her best efforts to put him at ease. Then he turned on the charm in a disastrous attempt to flirt. This was wonderful to watch, uncomfortable but extremely funny, Louise gave a very natural performance. Secondly, in Act 2, Louise returned as Lise, Tobes’ sister, complete with northern accent akin to her brother. I enjoyed the banter between the siblings, quick fire comments thrown at each other. Louise displayed a talent for character acting with these two roles.

Tim Greenwood was strong in his roles. As Julian, the medical consultant, he was vague and distracted, unfocused on his work. A frustrated Tobes called out his behaviour only to learn that Julian’s dog had just died. A bittersweet scene with nice acting, Tim returned as Jamie in Act 2. Tobes met Jamie at the support group, where his story about the illness and how it would eventually affect his family was terribly sad. Tim told his tale conversationally, his emotions rising as he explained his plight. I really enjoyed Tim’s performances. He gave his characters depth, pulling Tobes out of his misery and encouraging him to live life to its fullest.

I thought Michael Crawley as Justin the Travel Agent was hilarious. His mannerisms and self-satisfied little noises were prompt, making the audience laugh at just the right moment. Tobes tried in vain to return tickets bought for his girlfriend before their split. Justin’s refusal to bend the rules was frustratingly funny. I really enjoyed his ‘jobsworth’ attitude, a fabulous, deliberately annoying performance with absolutely ‘NO REFUNDS’ His cameo as Jack, Tobes’ brother was another great scene, the one liner jokes timed to perfection. Well done.

Playing the role of Bess, the employee at the ‘sperm bank, was Sam Garforth. This was another scene with great comic timing. Sam was notable in this role, the conversation between her character and Tobes as he was asking for help was excellent.

One of my favourite lines came from Alice King as Izzy. As Tobes said he only had one ball, quick as a whip she asked, ‘What, like Hitler?’ The audience exploded with laughter at the timing and delivery. Izzy’s character met Tobes on holiday, the holiday bought for Beth, now occupied by Tobes’ mother. Tobes is finally living his life and has hope for the future…Another great line from Izzy….’No one cares about the balls, they’re just backing singers,’ Alice had great delivery, her dialogue was clear and well paced.

The lighting design by James Clayton was simple but effective, all sound and lighting cues were prompt. Stage Manager, Ellie Badrick kept all departments running smoothly, with swift scene changes and great organisation when placing props and stage dressing. Cast and crew collaborated to create a very funny, thoughtful show. The audience appreciated the humour, applauding loudly as the cast took their final bows. I thoroughly enjoyed this production and would like to thank Todmorden Hippodrome Theatre for inviting me and my plus one to their show. Special thanks to David Winslow for his company throughout the evening. I look forward to many more productions in the future.

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