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I was greeted warmly on arrival by Chairman Charlotte Root and had a brief discussion with Director David Thompson.

Once again Terry White and David Thompson had designed a fabulous set which was built by the society. It was cleverly constructed to provide a kitchen and lounge on the ground floor of the house with stairs leading up to a bedroom. It was attractive and well furnished with minimal set and scene changes. Entrances and exits to the set were well placed. Lighting and sound were appropriate and all the actors projected well. Judy and Johnny’s costumes were relevant to the 1950s times with Judy’s in particular very attractive, There were so many different outfits for Judy necessitating some incredibly rapid changes ! In fact, a little music was played during each costume change to afford a few extra seconds !

All the actors demonstrated very good acting skills and some also showed a remarkable prowess in rock and roll dancing ! Choreogrpher Sarah-Jane Dartnall had devised some effective routines which were well executed.

There were just six parts in this fast moving and sometimes very funny play. Lily Griffiths, new to the society, put in a stellar performance as the wife, Judy. Exuberant and energetic and determined to be  a ‘model’ 1950s wife she brought her own interpretation to the role, dominating the stage and displaying a range of emotions and attitudes. She acted the part well and had good stage presence. Very well done.

Husband Johnny, played by Paul Moss was well cast and paired well with Judy. He was the perfect foil to her enthusiasm and agreed to her plans with a good hint of caution. Johnny  became more authoritative and confident in Act 2 which Paul dealt with well.

Brenda White-Robinson was brilliantly cast as Sylvia, Judy’s mother and Brenda was eminently suited to the role. She was imperious and rather gushing and inclined to interfere with Judy’s plans. This role included quite a lengthy monologue which Brenda delivered with great enthusiasm and skill.

Dean  Kiely played Marcus, a strong and rather rough, tough character. Married to Fran, played by Kat Swift, Dean performed this role well as a bullying and domineering character. He tried to entice Judy into a simulated sexual encounter which she rebuffed. This simulated intimate encounter was handled very sensitively by the cast  in a non threatening and tasteful way. There was a second intimate moment between Judy and Johnny towards the end, again handled well.  Kat was well cast as the somewhat quiet wife Fran who was in awe of Marcus but her character developed well in Act 2.

The final character was Johnny’s boss, the estate agent manager Alex. Played by Hayley Favell she had the task of making Johnny redundant from the agency and she showed a good deal of empathy with his situation.

I congratulate David Thompson aided by Oliver Walkey, for his creativity and skill in directing and producing this play which showcased the many talents within this society both on and off stage. Well done everyone.

 

 

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