My Three Angels

This was my first visit as NODA rep to the Salterton Players and what a pleasure it was! “My Three Angels” is not performed that often, and I don’t know why, as it’s a well written and clever play.

As the curtains opened, there were, rightly, gasps from the audience. The set was splendid giving just the right French Colonial feel. The attention to detail within the set was excellent and set the tone for a fine production.

It was well cast; not one weak link. The three convicts played by Richard Gomm, Paul Turner and Will Hill got their individual characters just right. Their personalities complementing each other so well. The philosophical one, the one with the ideas and the young would-be Lothario with the very matter-of–fact murderous streak. Such lovable rogues aroused some empathetic feelings in the audience by displaying their unexpected talents and trying to do their best for everyone, well, nearly everyone, the exceptions being Gaston le Mare played by David Holt and his nephew Paul (Mark Rose).

David Holt gave a superb performance from the moment he entered, giving an air of authority; a real command of the stage, a no nonsense hard man so needed for this role. Paul (Mark Rose) gave the impression he was dominated by his uncle, as if butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth but turned out to be just as nasty as his uncle. He needed to slow his dialogue just a shade, but none the less gave a fine performance!

Steve Clark brought his character to life. An honest and honourable man, worrying that the books weren’t right and in such a mess.

Lucy Vincent looked every inch the well behaved daughter, who was hopelessly in love, but had an eye for the young convict who never failed to smile, yet could you trust him?

Wendy Gomm had a difficult role in the sense that she had to trust and encourage her husband with the business, although she knew that he really was hopeless at it, was also confronted with convicts in the house, organising Christmas and worrying about her daughter and her difficult house guests. Wendy had certainly got it for this part, and was very convincing as the caring wife and mother.    

Jenny Roberts had what it takes for her character, thinking that nearly everyone is beneath her and “do as I say not what I do” always managing to avoid paying her ever-increasing shop account.

Adam De Reya looked good in his cameo role and easily got besotted with the daughter of the house.

This was a delightful evening, very funny and well-staged. The obvious “Frenchness” was never lost, in the way the dialogue was spoken, the characters behaved and in their general philosophy of life.

I’m looking forward to seeing future plays, as you have a standard of production that is a real pleasure to see. Good luck with the improvements you want to make to this charming little theatre. Congratulations to all involved, especially Marc Colson Director; a splendid job well done.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.