Kind Hearts & Coronets

Kind Hearts and Coronets is a British comedy released in film in 1949. It came to be recognized as one of the best British films of all time, noted for its dark humour.

Tonight, we were privileged to see it performed on stage using a script written by the prolific British playwright and novelist Roy Horniman and adapted by Derek Webb.

This adaptation was a world premiere, and the Director and cast are to be commended for a performance that was gripping.

In keeping with the original black and white film the stage set opened with the main character Archie Gascoyne (Gary Brown) in prison. He is awaiting his fate – to be hung for the murders of Gascoyne’s who came first in privilege to inherit the Gascoyne dynasty. He reads from his memoirs, written in prison, and performs a narrative explaining that the murders he committed were revenge for the way in which his mother was disowned by her aristocratic family for marrying out of her social class.

Gary, you had a role that was extremely demanding as you were on stage for most of the play. In the first Act you conveyed to your audience the anger you felt that drove you to murder. However, in the second Act you transitioned into an excitable man who imparted to the audience satisfaction and delight in “seeing these men off.” This excited your audience, and laughter was heard in the theatre as you progressed to finish the task. You achieved this with great stage presence and eloquent narrative. I was taken with the family chart on stage where you crossed off with satisfaction your victims once they were deceased. Well done for giving your audience a very accomplished performance.

I also enjoyed the way role of your friend Graham Halward (Matthew Winter) who was there with a sense of reason that you chose to ignore. You gave a polished performance Matthew.

Archie’s first girlfriend was Sibella Halward (Eliza Sandford) the sister of Graham Halward. Again, you too gave a shining performance as a pretty but cruel female who ridiculed Archie and refused to marry him when he proposed. You instead marry Lional Holland (James Mawer) a dull character and clearly, you showed to us that you were not happy in your marriage. When Lional is later found dead suspicion falls on Archie and he is arrested and detained. Both you and James gave first rate performances and carried your roles extremely well.

Credit must be bestowed upon Matt Bush who performed the role of Gascoyne Senior but played multiple roles as other male members of the Gascoyne family. How does it feel to die so many times Matt. You entered the stage in many guises and multiple wigs. In your numerous roles you carried the story line superbly and helped the audience follow a plot that could otherwise have been complex to follow. Well done Matt a thoroughly enjoyable performance.

After blowing up Henry Gascoyne in his dark room (he was a photographer) Archie charms Henry’s widow Edith Gascoyne (Honey Hughes) and the plan is to make her his duchess. This role was well cast as you portrayed the opposite character to that of Sibella. Duchess material you were, and I enjoyed your role immensely.

Gorby the butler was played by Peter Biggers who perfected the role of an elderly but loyal servant. You played your role flawlessly and strengthened the image that the audience would hold by showing us what a butler in a mansion should look like. Your shuffling gate was very funny to watch, and I could hear giggles from the audience. Well done, Peter.

The staging of the flashbacks was set against digital black and white images of the scenes, and this was so reminiscent of the original film set in 1949. It added to the authentication of the play and was used to good effect. The costumes were not lavish but did not need to be and I was impressed that just by changing a jacket the image to be portrayed shifted seamlessly. Clever and powerful.

The background music, that haunted Archie, was taken from the Welsh choral anthem Myfanwy. It too was used to good effect as it signified the death of another victim. It was evident that all the music used had been given much thought and nourished the extensive narrative. The music was a fitting complement to this play.

I note from your programme that the objective of this theatre company is to both engage and entertain your audience. You certainly achieved your objective. Thank you to all members of Alnwick Theatre Club both on and off stage. You all did a brilliant job in the contribution you made to this highly successful play worthy of world premier status. Thank you for your invitation. I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.