Guards! Guards!

What a pleasure to join a sold out audience at Stratford’s Bear Pit for Second Thoughts’ production of Guards! Guards! Clearly the power of Terry Pratchett was in full effect, with some audience members having reportedly travelled considerable distances to attend the show.  And they weren’t to be disappointed, as I overheard many people saying how much they had enjoyed the performance as we exited the theatre.  Guards! Guards! is also one of my favourite Pratchett novels, so no pressure, guys!

The play began with the rather lofty Carrot (Emerson Fairclough) being informed by his father (Phil Sensicle) that he is not actually a dwarf and sending him off to find his own way in the city of Ankh Morpork with nothing but a suspiciously royal looking sword and a literal interpretation of any instructions given to him! 

We then headed straight to a secret meeting of the The Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night, led by a thinly disguised Lupine Wonse (Alexander Brown, on his debut with the Society.)  This was a suitably unhinged performance, as the self-styled Grand Master encouraged his colleagues to follow his lunatic plan of summoning a dragon in order to terrorise the city and bring about the return of the monarchy. 

There was plenty of humour mined from the hapless Brothers’ attempts to first understand and then execute their leader’s plans.  Each of them had their own characterisation, including Brother Doorkeeper’s (Chloe Jane Wiltshire) fussiness over the access password; Brother Fingers’ (Georgina Monk) transparent attempts at thievery; Brother Watchtower’s (Lucy Gurney) incessant questioning; Brother Plasterer’s (Louise Partridge) humorous pendantry; and Brother Dunnykin’s (Edythe Wurtzler) clumsy cluelessness.  There was also a clever bit referencing to (fairly) current affairs, in which one of the Brothers donned an Alan Carr mask, no doubt in reference to his recent ‘Traitors’ victory.

Once the dragon had been summoned and was wreaking its havoc, we met the eponymous guards, led by the perpetually boozed up Captain Vimes (Adam Schumacher).  It must be quite daunting to play one of Pratchett’s most popular characters, but Adam did a great job of bringing Sam Vimes to life, whilst adding his own spin to the role.  Also on patrol were his loyal sidekicks, Sgt Colon (Phil Sensicle) and the incorrigible Cpl Nobbs (Emily Dean).  Again, these were lively and faithful interpretations of the characters, as the guided the newly recruited, oblivious, by the book Constable Carrot into his new job.

Realising that they needed the help of a Dragon expert, our heroes were sent in the direction of Lady Ramkin, played with suitably earthy gusto by Stephanie Jepson-Sensicle.  This was another fun performance, and her developing relationship with Vimes was well conveyed.  Also on the scene was swamp dragon Errol, portrayed using a cute, cuddly looking hand puppet.  He certainly seemed to be an audience favourite, and was well manipulated by the actors. 

Steve Dean gave us a fairly laid back version of the Patrician, Ankh Morpork’s de facto ruler, equally happy at his desk or in a jail cell handily equipped with beer pumps!  Adam Sensicle must have been absolutely roasting in the Librarian’s orangutan outfit, but nevertheless put in a lively performance – I particularly enjoyed his attempts to convey urgent messages to the Guards by means of charades! 

The dragon itself was effectively depicted using a red light and sound effect of flapping wings, along with a menacing voiceover from Tim Guest.  Carrot’s frequent letters home were also conveyed using recorded voiceovers, although Death (Steve Dean), who’s CAPITALISED pronouncements might have benefited from some augmentation, were left to a slightly muffled projection from behind a mask. 

Completing the cast were Annette O’Hara as Knowless Man, Steve Farr as Cut Me Own Throat (CMOT), Dibbler (apparently dressed as a refugee from Glastonbury music festival!) and, last but absolutely not least, Gill Hines as Footnote.  She was a witty presence at the side of the stage, interacting well with the audience as she delivered a variety of humorous asides – each heralded by comic honking sound.

Lynda Jepson directed efficiently, keeping the fun plot rattling along, although I was a little disappointed that Lupine Wonse’s come-uppance, with Carrot’s rather literal interpretation of the instruction to ‘throw the book at him’ took place offstage.  She was well supported by Dwayne Dawson on lighting and Andy Jepson on sound, who helped to generate a good atmosphere for the performance.  Scene changes were executed smoothly under the auspices of Stage Manager Annette O’Hara, but in complete silence – perhaps a little bit of suitable incidental music would have been beneficial, to keep the mood of the show going?

The play reached its conclusion with randy Dragon Errol saving the day – the depiction of his flying into action raising a mighty laugh from the audience – the Patrician back in control, and the Guards left to ruminate over events with a beer in the Mended Drum.  I’m sure that members of Second Thoughts also reflected on the success of this entertaining production, which most certainly saw the audience leaving with smiles on their faces.  Job done, and I look forward to seeing the team again later in the year for Ladies Down Under.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.