Monstrous Regiment

MONSTROUS REGIMENT based on the book by Terry Pratchett and adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs is a multi-layered story, set in the Napoleonic Wars when trolls, vampires and werewolves were more accepted in the military than women. It is often entertaining and amusing but could not be described as an outright comedy. Its themes of anti-war and pro-gender equality are still relevant today.

The hall was laid out theatre style with central aisle. The Front of House staff were friendly and welcoming and drinks were offered before the show, during the inteval and afterwards.
Hot drinks were also available as well as ice creams. There was a raffle. The foyer/bar area was laid out with displays of previous productions as well as photographs of the members of the current production.

The A5 colour programme had eight pages, comprised of a message from the Director which was two pages, list of cast and creative and production team as well as information about the upcoming productions, safety announcements and small ad for NODA. 

The set was on several levels with changing side towers depicting the various areas of action. The props were excellent and used well by the cast. These included the weapons,
lamps, a telescope, bedrolls and backpacks. The costumes were very good and in keeping with their characters. There were uniforms for the soldiers, Zlobobenians and Ankh-Morporkians, as well as mob caps and pastel skirts for the women when dressed as men dressed as women! There was good attention to detail in bringing the characters alive through their costumes, and this enhanced the action.

This play mixes fantasy - the Borogravians, Zlobenians and Ankh-Morporkians - with the reality of the Napoleonic wars. It is ultimately about the futility of war and propaganda
surrounding it to the benefit of the ruling classes. There were very strong aspects to this production: the technical expertise and costume design. And the frequent set changes were done well and managed without fuss. The acting, at times was a little uneven with some voices lost, maybe due to lack of projection or size of the hall? This made the action (for me, a Pratchett novice) difficult to follow. There were some notable performances from K Welch as Polly ‘Ozzer’ Perks and she had good rapport from R Goodbody as Sergeant Jackrum who was everything you’d expect from a soldier of his calibre. He mixed straightforward soldiering and comedy with great ease.

Winton Players are to be praised for a talented cast that worked well together and performing a script that (I have been told!) stays loyal to the novel.

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