Is There Anybody There?

This play is described in the Rightsholders listing (Stagescripts) as a dark comedy, and this truly is a complete understatement.   It was very complex with many twists and turns and unexpected moves and moods. It was certainly a lot for the director and cast to concentrate on.

It was deliberately staged with two sets of blacks, to increase the dark moods, with just minimal furniture needed, so it was the acting that takes the eye. There were several costume changes.

This was a phenomenally worded script, making it a massive task for the two main protagonists; especially in its thought-provoking content which portrayed a multitude of emotions, twisting and turning all through the play and leaving the audience still unravelling the actions.

This play was basically a two hander with just a small entrance of a third party at the end.   The two ladies involved, who might be friends or enemies (we are not sure) set up a relationship after the death of a husband and a boss.  Sue (Lillian Carver) and Ann (Maris McCann) meet up for a drink and it all develops from there.

These two roles have a massive amount of dialogue over the evening, it must have been quite a challenge to learn.  The varied actions and moods keep the attention through all the situations covered in the discussions.    It was a real tour de force for both ladies as they kept up the pace through the red wine, good characterisations, and interactions. 

Later, at a séance, the appearance of The Woman (Joan Hocking) adds to the strange creepiness, played very deadpan, and is she, really, there?  A very convoluted plot, difficult to keep up with and with a final twist in the story.   It was an evening to concentrate and a challenge to the audience.

Thank you for your hospitality.

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