HAY FEVER

The Theatre in the Hut is a remarkable place. A 58 seat theatre in a small hut complete with stage, dressing rooms and a small bar. Backstage is very small but the company perform miracles in such a small space that they deserve the warmest congratulations.

I received a very warm welcome form the box office man who turned out to be the director, Stephen, who’s third job for the night was as prompter.  It was nice also to meet John Butler, the producer, who ensured I received my half time cup of tea.

The home constructed set remained in situ for the whole play. It was obviously designed to fit the very small stage and worked well, although of necessity, it looked crowded. The pre-set was accompanied by appropriate music for the period.

The play was in three acts with the main interval between acts 1 and 2 also containing the ‘draw’ which was well conducted by the director – in his fourth role for the night!

The cast generally delivered the dialogue in a clear manner, easily understood by the audience although there were the odd occasions when the prompter came into his own!  Noel Coward’s dialogue is of the period and does not always trip easily off the tongue.

Each of the nine performers had clearly defined characters and all played their parts in thoroughly entertaining their audience. The bulk of the work fell to the character Judith Bliss, the matriarch of the Bliss family, played admirably by the award-winning actress,  There was no amplification as far as I could tell and, apart from when some characters were facing upstage, dialogue was very clear and well projected. I must remark on the voice of Michael Clifton – once heard never forgotten – and I think perfect for his character

Costumes were very acceptable in general, but I would question a country house weekend guest wearing brown shoes with evening dress!

I have had the pleasure of many previous visits to the Theatre in the Hut.  We have always been treated to a very good evening’s entertainment and this was no exception. I, and I think the rest of the audience, enjoyed the efforts of all concerned with putting on ‘Hay Fever’.  Thank you for your work. You entertained your audience and this is the aim of every performer.

I look forward to my next visit.

Anthony Pomeroy

For Lewis White (District Rep for Area 9)

 

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