Miscommunication

I received an invitation to see "Miscommunication"- An Evening of One Act Comedy Plays and Monologues. Having always enjoyed their pantos, I was really looking forward to seeing this, as two of the plays were written by the same author of their cleverly scripted pantomimes.

Moving On - Written and directed by Rachael Shone

Two ladies, Kate and Janice decide to start their own group in a local village hall, not with any kind of agenda, nor in competition with the WI (perish the thought), just for people to turn up and do "whatevever". Initially, nobody turns up and just as they are about to give up, people do start to show - each with their own foibles which have to be tolerated by the others. One of the most apparent things with this play wasn't just how well it was performed but how perfectly layered each character was- like a well made WI sponge cake, each layer perfectly assembled and filled, with no chance of a soggy bottom.

Words of War- Adapted for stage by Rachael Shone from an original Saturday Night Live concept, directed by Muriel Hildrew and Rachael Shone

Basically a (very funny) sketch revealing letters between a couple (Gerald and Phylis) separated by war - Gerald becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of information/affection received by Phylis, and Phylis seemingly living it up whilst Gerald is away. Again, this was perfectly performed by those onstage- not even being thrown by the errant sound effects.

This was followed by "The Little Things" and "Lost For Words"- monologues written by Muriel Hildrew and Audrey Mason respectively, and performed by the writers themselves. Both monologues were perfectly paced and delivered, with real pathos and understanding.

Conversation Killers - Written by Rachael Shone, directed by Rachael Shone and Muriel Hildrew

A small group of people on a course for improving conversational skills. One of the things I loved about this play was the fact that we could easily relate to the people on the course - we all know somebody who is a walking thesaurus, people who finish others sentences, etc. As one of my ex bosses said one time - "Some people use long words just to make people think that they're photosynthesis".

As you've probably noticed, I haven't named anyone in person, nor said anything in particular about any singular person's performance - the reason for this is that every person onstage executed their roles brilliantly - Rachael certainly has an eye for getting right into the heart of people's personalities, and bringing out the real character of each individual - this is in both the writing, and the direction. It also helps that everyone onstage seems perfectly cast for their roles - something Silverdale do so well.

So, take a bow Kathy Talbot, Muriel Hildrew, Keith Hildrew, Pete Rushton, Audrey Mason, John Auckland, Issy Boyd, Evie Shone, Jane Reed, Margie Parker, Sam Mason, Gemma Barks, Mitch Noon, Lorraine Speak, Pete Barfoot, Gil Chee and of course, Rachael Shone.

Staging and lighting for each play was both simple and effective - though the full house lighting could have been on, and I don't think it would have mattered - such was the entertainment.

The programme states "We are so fortunate to have such a talented writer as Rachael Shone"- this is indeed the case, but she also needs the people to bring those words to life, and is lucky to have them in the group that is the Silverdale Village Players.

If any other group out there are looking at something for their group to perform, I would suggest having a look at this, and taking it lock, stock and barrel - Miscommunication was not only a joy to watch, but looked as though it would have been great to rehearse!

I was promised a night of comedy, and that was exactly what I got - I've never really been know as a laugher, nor someone who when leaving the theatre messages people to get their butts there, but on this occasion, I did both.

Thank You Silverdale Village Players for your invite and hospitality

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.