Mort

This cannot have been the easiest of plays to direct.  A play with twenty-four scenes by itself creates a challenge.  Also, Terry Pratchett has something of a cult following and those followers have certain expectations whilst the more usual theatregoer might struggle to understand the rapidly developing story.  With Heather directing those hurdles disappeared.  The scene changes were almost seamlessly undertaken, sometimes with the use of side lighting and a gauze behind which the next was already prepared. At other times Death's horse Binky, with appropriate musical accompaniment, galloped across the backcloth segueing the story into the next scene.  It was interesting to see that mics were used.  Death's voice had a very effective echo which added another layer to the character.  At times just a tad too loud causing a minor problem with the hard of hearing.  Mort also had this echo when emulating Death.  At all times the cast's diction was beautifully clear, this makes such a difference to the enjoyment of a play.  The costumes were excellent, all apparently provided by the wardrobe team, who are to be applauded.  The set, again designed and constructed by members of this drama group, was simple and effective with an interesting soothsayer's house rolling on from the wings.

Mort requires a large cast and rehearsals must have involved a great deal of hard work and commitment but also so much fun.  In the opening scene Mort, played by James Windsor, showed all the disappointment and despair at being unable to find an employer.  Then the uncertainty of how he would cope with being the apprentice to Death.  Time moves on quickly and he soon has the confidence to "go it alone" with far-reaching results.  Good to see the character growing and the hairstyle, wow, so effective.  No wig could have achieved the same result!  Death in the hands of Tucker Scott-Stevens was so strong and so safe.  A tall actor anyway but he commanded the stage with his stillness and bearing.  A useful actor to watch and learn from.  Jessica Leat as Ysabell, the adoptive daughter of Death, becomes a great friend of Mort, perhaps more than a friend!  Well played, showing the frustration at the restrictions of her life but also so much determination.  Emma Elworthy was Princess Keli, the one who Mort became infatuated with and couldn't allow to be killed.  Having been spared by Mort she is living between death and life and no mortals can see her.  Tricky to act as if you are invisible but Emma did perfectly.  This was her first play with Axminster Drama Club but not I would imagine her first time on stage.  I have seen Ian Craig in many productions and have often thought "this part was made for him" but he did really make the perfect Albert.  No he had become Albert.  I do hope he will be able to become Ian again before too long!

Peter Kimball-Evans brought the benefit of years of experience to his performance as Cutwell, and it showed.   A very thoughtful characterisation of the intriguing, intelligent but rather careless Wizard.

 The many other members of the cast each played two or three different characters.  Not easy to come on as someone quite different to who you were in the previous scene but they did it well and always with enthusiasm and commitment to the production.        

It would be a mistake to think that something that is escapism is easy.  It isn't, as in every play each character must have a personality and develop as indeed the story develops.  Under skillful direction, this is what these actors were able to achieve.

As an avid reader of the books by Terry Pratchett I very much enjoyed this production and was most impressed with the skills of the director and the team which had engineered its success.  The audience clearly loved it too.  

 

 

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