Hedda Gabler

As always, there was a warm welcome from members of this innovative society. We spoke to the Director (who is also the President) as well as the Lighting Engineer, Head of Properties and Front of House staff. It was a shame that there was only around forty audience members on the penultimate show and that the previous two shows had also experienced similar attendance numbers. The high temperatures might have stopped walk-ins, although the air conditioning inside was very effective. This show would have been perfect for any student studying Ibsen.

The play was set in the round which made for a more intimate atmosphere. The stage was utilised as the garden and used by Hedda who exited to practise using her pistols and by Judge Brack to arrive surreptitiously, without being formally introduced by the maid. This layout replicated the last Ibsen play, A Doll’s House, which was also directed by the talented Director, Amanda Robertson. Immediately, it felt like this was going to be a good production. The furniture was well thought out and spaced so that the characters had plenty of room to walk around and for every member of the audience to feel involved as the story unfolded. A very small criticism might be that the placing of the two-seater couch opposite a single chair meant that, at times, it was difficult for the audience to hear every word if sitting behind either item of seating. However, voice projection was good from every character and so, overall, this did not detract from the enjoyment. The props were equally well thought out and attractive. Lighting and sound cues were perfect. Full credit to both front and backstage crew.

The costumes were in keeping with the period and well researched. The green dress worn by Hedda was beautiful and every character looked splendid and comfortable in their attire.

The programme was informative and it is always interesting to see cast photographs and biographies. Equally, an insight into the playwright, particularly for those not au fait with, in this case, Ibsen, together with an insight into the restrictions in society in Norway during the nineteenth century, was a good idea.

Hedda Gabler is a psychological tragedy with the main character forced, primarily by society, into a marriage that she finds boring. Clearly unfulfilled, she is unhappy but at the same time can cleverly manipulate those around her to perhaps, relieve her tedium. Rebecca Lennon delivered a masterclass in this role. She evoked every characteristic trait and flaw in her character with aplomb and apparent ease. She was a joy to watch and captivated the audience with her enunciation, timing, delivery and facial expression. As her husband, George Tesman, Jack Brading, maintained a patient and calm persona throughout and was word perfect, effectively doing his best to keep his new wife happy, but being oblivious to her true feelings.

Miss Tesman, George’s Aunt was played well by Emma Shelley. She portrayed an adoring aunt, wanting to please her nephew in a believable way but who was equally able to brush aside, the impatient and rather outspoken, Hedda, convincingly. Although a relatively small part Lexi Skeldon-Downer, as maid Berte, gave a creditable performance with perfect timings. The relationship between Mrs Elvsted and Hedda was particularly notable and both actors gave standout performances in their portrayal of their relationship. Sarah Kellett gave a confident performance. In leaving her husband to pursue a relationship with Lovborg, Hedda’s previous paramour which, at this  time,  would have been a huge and brave step to undertake, she was suitably excited but also apprehensive. She then allowed herself to be manipulated by the jealous and overpowering Hedda. Sarah portrayed these mixed emotions superbly. Russall Cooper, played Eilert Lovborg well and with the required passion in his success as a writer, followed by despair at his failings regarding women, excessive drinking and losing an important manuscript. Finally, Jon Davis, as Judge Brack, was steady but also manipulative, slightly devious with obvious designs on Hedda. This was another thoroughly convincing performance. The whole cast were a joy to observe and kept up the pace throughout to give an excellent portrayal of this rather complex play.

Amanda Robertson deserves high praise for this highly polished production. Well done to everyone involved.

 

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