HEROES

Talented Directors Dexter and Rosemary were responsible not only for this excellent play but also for the striking set design.

This play by Frenchman Gerald Sibley was translated into English by Sir Tom Stoppard and won the 2006 Lawrence Olivier Award for the Best New Comedy.

Now for the play and production itself:

The Heroes in question were Paul Viles as Henri, Andrew Tomlinson( making his Grange debut) as Gustave and Robert Onions as Philippe and not forgetting the Dog.

It should have been compulsory for all drama students to attend this production. These three actors held a full house enthralled as this story unfolded, not that the story was high drama for in fact it was all quite light-hearted dealing with 3 ageing veterans plotting an escape from the residential home where they resided. It contained gentle humour, pace befitting the setting and circumstances and the occasional swear word but overall superb acting. Schemes from swimming the river to climbing great hills to see the view were suggested and dismissed. All of which was overseen by a large stone dog. Philippe was convinced the dog was real and that it moved - Henry and Gustave knowing it couldn't possibly do this supported Philippe by talking to the dog and between scenes it moved around! All that was required from the audience was that they sit back, laugh in all the right places (not difficult) and enjoy which is definitely what they did on the night I attended.

Grange Players never fail to surprise me in their wide repertoire. They never fail to present unusual plays as well as the tried and tested favourites.

Confirmation of their past successes is clearly on display in the foyer of The Playhouse with the many awards over the years taking pride of place.

Long may they continue to present audiences with high quality productions like Heroes. 

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