Into the Silence

This piece of drama written by Second Thoughts member Noel Dollimore spanned just under 80 years of British and Indian history.

The play portrays the life of Sophia Duleep Singh. Opening with her father signing away the Punjab to the British when aged 11 years. With the aid of slides projected on to a screen time moves on depicting numerous scenes. We were next transported to Osborne House where we saw the now adult Duleep Singh with Queen Victoria who was God Mother to Sophia. Duleep converts to Christianity and marries.

Victoria gives Duleep Elveden a stately home in Suffolk where the family of six children are raised with Sophia the youngest. We saw scenes in and around Whitehall, Elveden and Hampton Court as well as times in India and other locations. Sophia becomes involved in the suffragette movement and as the play concludes takes over as President on the death of Emmeline Pankhurst.

The play had a large cast with many playing more than one role. It is therefore difficult to name everyone. However, Marissa Shamkhali as Sophia gave a strong and confident performance. She was supported by Abi Deehan as Catherine and Georgina Wood as Bombina. There were some lighter moments given by Nick Bate as Greig a Sergeant of police introduced with a relevant piece of music from Gilbert and Sullivan. In addition, were some good cameo roles such as Gill Hines as Emmeline Pankhurst and Colin Townsend as Chamberlain.

The actors under the direction of Ian McLean used the space at the venue well. The whole audience were brought into scenes during a meeting and an auction.

Technical and back stage need to be congratulated. The lighting was effective as the scenes moved on such as when Marissa as Sophia spoke directly to the audience and during the clash between suffragettes and police when the police where shown to have behaved with unnecessary brutality. This scene was portrayed well in slow motion to demonstrate the level of violence the authorities used. The set was simple throughout. Knowing the limitations backstage of the venue the company’s use of minimal items of furniture were well executed. Congratulations on obtaining the wheelchair which looked fitting for the time in history. 

Many of the costumes were good especially with history moving on at times at some speed. Maybe a call to just remember some details such as the colour of socks, black jeans and the footwear worn. These are however minor points for the future. 

The actors played to a full house and I was pleased to hear the run of four evenings had received good houses to witness the authors premiere of his work.  I am sure this will not be the only outing this work receives. It may need some cuts in places as some scenes were portrayals of history but did not always assist in getting into the deeper meaning of the events. Having said this the play was an interesting drama and one which encouraged me to search for details about the life of Sophia Duleep Singh.

Well done to all at Second Thoughts and as always thank you for the welcome. Having heard about your 2018 season I most certainly look forward to seeing everyone again.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.