Love on the Dole

What a lovely welcome back into the role of District 1 representative. So warmly welcomed by everyone at the Phoenix Theatre and what a play to report on.

This drama was a rollercoaster of emotions, it depicted a slice of social history from the 1930’s, a time when the country was going through a recession, work was hard to find, and the benefit state was practically non-existent. The story revolves around the Hardcastle family and their interaction with the local community and the love they had for their boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband and ultimately each other. Although the subject matter was sombre, there was plenty to laugh at in this play, making it a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

In true Phoenix tradition, the set, costumes and lighting were of the period and the clever use of the small (but perfectly formed) stage area allowed for the scenes to move from the Hardcastle’s living room into the alley with little disruption. I feel the lady who adjusted the set swiftly and efficiently deserves a mention. Her role was just as important as the actors.

Jane Bovell (Mrs Harcastle) gave a warm and dignified portrayal of a women who wanted to retain the respectability that she felt her family had within the community and ferociously defended her children when her husband, played by Steve Doidge, came down hard on them to ‘save face’. The scenes with just the two of them was emotional. It was so sad and yet understandable of the misguided pressure of what people would think. Although he was conflicted, he did love his wife and children, and this was acted so well.

Ollie Carpener played the idealistic but gentle Larry Meath who loved Sally Hardcastle and wanted to marry her and build a home together, but not until he had a job and could afford to provide for her properly. You could really believe his character and he paired so well with Mia Field as the gutsy and down to earth Sally. Sally is the mainstay in the family and Mia portrayed this beautifully, with strength of character and despair in equal measures. I was impressed with her retention of a strong accent that was fitting for the play.

Anthony Buckley and Darcy Jones as Harry and Helen were the young and naïve lovers who stuck together through being turned out of their homes due to their mistake. Two emotionally charged performances from them both.

Phil Field was the bookie Sam Grundy who having a hankering for Sally and set about making it inevitable that this would happen. He depicted the character well to the result that you really didn’t like him. A small role in comparison to the others but pivotal to the story and Phil certainly made his presence known.

The three lady neighbours played by Lori Weber, Lucy Davies and Mel Bailey were the irritatingly nosy fiends of Mrs Hardcastle who were happy to interfere at every opportunity. They were the comedy element and were brilliant at it. Their facial expressions alone had the audience in fits of laughter. Robin Haig and Bob Houghton as well as some supporting actors as neighbours complimented the cast.

I particularly found the scene between Helen and Sally totally captivating and very moving. But Sally’s final speech was breathtaking and emotionally draining.  

Fantastic direction and a very talented cast made this another memorable experience from the Phoenix Theatre. Thank you so much for inviting me.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.