Happy Families

A huge thank you to Poulton Drama for inviting me to their captivating production of "Happy Families." 

"Happy Families" is a comedy play by John Godber that explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional. The play humorously delves into the tensions, conflicts, and quirks of family relationships, highlighting both the chaos and warmth of family life.

Under the skilled direction of David Twizell, the play came to life on stage, with a minimalistic set that cleverly accentuated the actors' portrayals of their characters. The spotlight moments on John effectively drew us into his story, creating a powerful connection with the audience. The lighting, though simple, was masterfully executed, perfectly complementing the production. The cast's superb projection ensured that every line was heard loud and clear, a testament to their talent and dedication. No microphones were needed, allowing the authenticity of the performances to shine through. 

David Chard delivered a brilliant performance in the leading role of John, skillfully embodying the character's evolution over the years with nuanced changes in voice, reactions, and understanding. His remarkable stage presence ensured a strong connection with the audience throughout the performance.

Annie Walthorn's portrayal of Dot was a standout performance. Her dedication to the role resonated with the audience and prompted the audience to identify similarities to their own upbringings. This was a brilliant contrast to the character of Vic, Dot’s husband, played by Phil Allan. Confident and comedic, Phil embodied the typical father figure with flair. His dynamic interactions with Annie's character and his delivery of witty lines added depth to the production, and added a striking difference to his on stage partner. 

Phil Gorner's portrayal of Jack was simply brilliant. Despite having few lines, Phil's ability to engage the audience through his character's reactions as a disapproving and opinionated grandfather was exceptional. His presence on stage spoke volumes, conveying Jack's personality and perspective without needing words. Phil's skill in bringing his character to life through subtle gestures and expressions is truly commendable, adding depth and richness to the overall performance.

Emma Louise Davis delivered a flawless performance as Auntie Doris/Lynn. Susan Haydock effortlessly portrayed the nurturing grandmother figure while also displaying a strong-willed personality towards her own children. The clever costume change to symbolise her character's passing, dressed all in white, was poignant to the production, emphasising her presence even in the afterlife. Her interjections from beyond were performed well and were a brilliant directorial choice, effectively enhancing the storytelling.

Sharon Brookes and Sylvia Waterhouse's portrayals of Auntie Edna and Rebecca were excellent additions to the performance, highlighting the differences of dynamics within a family unit.

While the production was superb overall, the audible prompts from the wings when lines were missed occasionally disrupted the flow of the story and the connection between the characters and the audience.

Nevertheless, the society's collective effort in bringing this brilliant play to life, filled with laughter, sadness, and relatable moments, is truly commendable. Thank you once again for the invitation and hospitality.

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