Love From a Stranger

A curious play that promised much, but somehow didn’t live up to expectations.  It had nothing to do with the actors, on the whole it was a strong cast, I just felt the play wasn’t terribly well written, and whereas the end was gripping there didn’t seem to be much substance or even clues, to point to any possible ending.

The premise of a woman deciding to finish with her fiancé and seek excitement elsewhere could have been intriguing, and indeed there were a few clues littered along the way, but I wasn’t gripped until the final scene, where there was plenty of tension and suspense. 

I thought the costumes and hairstyles were all very good, suitable for the people wearing them and the era.  It was good to see the men in well-fitting suits with co-ordinated headgear etc.

I felt it was a shame that no attempt had been made to provide a backdrop for Act 1 – playing in the blacks gave no sense of the era, and did not create any interest or atmosphere – particularly as Act 2 opened onto a fairly nice set. Sound effects were good, and all came in on cue, with lighting good too – especially the red overhead spot on Bruce, as he tore the scarf.  Very effective.

Everyone created good characters, some more interesting and endearing than others, but the cast gave us good contrasts and dimensions.

Viv Fairley always comes up trumps with her portrayal – I liked Auntie Loo-Loo very much, the very stiff lady of the age, with some good put-downs, and a very amusing take on certain situations. 

Cecily Harrington was a nice part for Lisa Fitzgerald, a very light persona, and a good foil to the other characters.  I would have liked a little more projection at times, however I liked the pace of delivery between Cecily and Bruce – nicely achieved.

Julie Gough was a very bright Mavis Wilson – I liked Julie’s interpretation, which showed some concern for Cecily, and also a certain wish to make sure she had some influence on Cecily, and indeed Nigel.  Very good portrayal, giving us excellent projection and expression.

Damon Pattison was very good as Bruce Lovell, the stranger who suddenly appeared in Cecily’s life, at a time when she was seeking excitement. Damon gave us a charming con man, moving into a menacing murderer.  Damon proved to be a good actor, who managed his part and his relationship with Cecily very well. 

Steve Leadbetter was the slightly underwhelming Nigel Lawrence – you could see why Cecily wanted to end her engagement and look elsewhere.  Somehow too nice for Cecily, and rather meek.

I loved Malcolm Hobbs as Hodgson the gardener – great inflections and accent, plus very expressive looks over certain aspects that came to light, particularly the price of the property.  Very telling – excellent portrayal.

Sheila Scull is a very good character actress, Ethel the housekeeper had very few lines, but left her mark, with the dryness of her comments, and the facial expressions, very well done.

Dr Gribble was played by John Simpson.  John certainly looked the part, but I felt more emphasis at times would have benefitted the role, however he fitted well into the cast.

Well-acted in the main, but not a script that I felt lent itself well to WDS’s excellent cast.

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