Hard Times

Hard Times, the play, is a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel about the industrial city of Coketown and the effects of a strict, fact-based education. The story centres on the Gradgrind family, led by father Thomas Gradgrind, who dismisses imagination and emotions in favour of "facts". The story follows his children, Louisa and Tom, as they grapple with a life devoid of feeling, the arrival of the imaginative Cissy Jupe, and a complex plot involving a bank robbery, a failed affair, and the plight of factory workers like Stephen Blackpool. Ultimately, the play explores the themes of industry and imagination, repression and emotion, rich versus poor, and kindness versus harshness.

The innovative open set contained a number of  ‘flats’ on wheels, a couple of clothes stands and a number of stools the purpose of which soon became clear. The flats on wheels were moved cleverly into position by the cast to depict various scene locations, the clothes stands contained a number of costumes that were actually changed into on stage and at times the stools provided seats unobtrusively for some of the actors not involved in the current scene and from which they smoothly made their entrance.

The opening school room scene provided the opportunity for Mr Gradgrind to underline his obsession for facts to raise his children on that principle. Alan Clarke was completely convincing in this role and was not without compassion. Louisa Gradgrind, (Leah Yendell) his daughter, although educated in the ‘fact’ system, yearns for some emotion in her life and eventually marries Gradgrind’s friend Josiah Bounderby (Martin Salter). Both were completely natural in their respective roles, she became unhappy with their relationship, he at first describing his youth and hard times but eventually becoming a wealthy industrialist and banker, not backward in describing his success and opinions.

Meanwhile Gradgrind and Bounderby visit Cissy Jupe whose father has disappeared. She believes she will never learn anything and was told to leave the school, but Gradgrind reconsiders this and takes her in. Rosie Pring fulfilled the role well expressing Cissy’s imagination. Louisa’s brother Tom goes to work with Bounderby. Adam Brown also played the role well, had a bad gambling habit and eventually robed Bounderby’s bank, but escaped. 

A number of the actors played more than one role, not least Chris Davies who played a bit of a revolutionary with flat cap as Slackbridge, a very impressive well-dressed James Harthouse and briefly in Act 2, a Cauliflower Clown providing an amusing riddle based on a varying number of legs! Susan Resuggan as Mrs Pegler was very convincing, upset at the loss of her son and somewhat frightened of Mr Bounderby, but later we find out more of their relationship. I also enjoyed the performance of Brian Watkiss as Stephen Blackpool, an honest hard working mill worker who is cast out and subsequently accused of robbing the bank. Steve Siddle as Mr. Sparsit also worked well, often dithering under pressure but eventually reunited Mrs Pegler with Bounderby.

There really was not a weak link in the cast;  Bob Salmon as Mr Sleary the bright and enthusiastic owner of a travelling circus who helps Tom escape after his bank robbery, Jo Bestwick (Josephine Sleary) an entertainer, who also cleverly played Mrs Gradgrind and Rachael, together with Martyn Read (Bitzer).

The stirring music between some scenes, originally composed  and performed by Dave Howard and industrial noises at the opening of Act 2, were well chosen. Throughout I enjoyed the style and delivery of the, at times, difficult Dickensian dialogue and a few moments of hesitation did not interfere. There were some great pieces of dialogue, not least by Salter when delivering his wedding speech, Yendell’s explanation as Louisa to her father, that she was unhappy in her marriage and when Salter gave Louisa an ultimatum to return to Bounderby, or she must remain with her father.

‘Hard Times’ was not an insignificant challenge which as usual ADS pulled off, under the impressive direction of Susan Resuggan and all others that made a major contribution off stage including costumes, sound and lighting . I would also like to thank you for the usual warm front of house welcome and look forward to attending again in the future.

Bruce Wyatt, Regional Representative District 10

One could be apprehensive about attending an in-house written play, especially when it is based on a book by Charles Dickens. However, knowing the Alvechurch Dramatic Society from experience, this was never going to be a cause for concern.

As Regional Councillor, I was pleased to attend Hard Times, albeit a different performance to the one Chris saw—whose comments on the production I can only echo. There were numerous outstanding performances, bringing this adaptation of the 1854 novel to the stage with great skill.

The use of the ‘flats on wheels’ was particularly well executed. It was evident that these had been used extensively during rehearsal, as the cast manoeuvred them with confidence and precision.

Following the curtain call, I was delighted to meet several cast members, not least Alan, who wrote the play as well as taking on a lead role. Congratulations to Alan and to everyone involved—on stage, backstage, or within the production team. I very much hope this will not be the last time this play is performed.

In the meantime, I now look forward to Alvechurch’s next production.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor, NODA West Midlands

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