Natural Causes

There is no doubt in my mind that the general standard of plays in my region has risen over the years, so it was with great expectations that I visited Manor Theatre last week. My first impression of this excellent production, when entering the hall, was the professional looking set which was built from scratch by the society members. Their stage is unusually wide and rather shallow in depth but they really know how to use the area to advantage, the whole being set off by a lovely fireplace with its glowing fire centre back. The props and furnishings were well placed giving a good feeling of comfort and allowing for plenty of free movement.

The entire play, consisting of 4 scenes, takes place over a period of one day in a study come library which looked beautifully natural and homely.  Laine Watson convincingly played a manic depressive wife who had spent many years telling her husband that she wished to end her life. Unfortunately she has set her heart on them both dying together. She is convinced that he couldn’t live happily without her, but he plans to prove her wrong. Jonathan Hope, the long suffering husband, and his bit on the side, Georgie Tarr, his secretary, both exceedingly well portrayed, decided that she should be assisted in her efforts so call in Vincent, brilliantly played by Suzanne Page, who has made it his life’s work to ensure that all suicides take place smoothly and efficiently.   This highly amusing play became even more dramatic and farcical with the arrival of Withers, a member of the Samaritans, enacted frustratingly but determinedly by Craig Bunce. His various entrances onto the stage were memorable, mainly at a flat out speed.

The wonderfully clever dialogue written by Eric Chappell, a long string of misunderstandings as to who was who, and a large quantity of matching glasses of sherry and a small bottle of poison all added up to the required ingredients for a very entertaining farce.  The five members of cast performed this very well-written script, excellently directed by Laine, managing to keep us in suspense as to who would die apart from the rubber plant, or for that matter, if anyone would, to the very end. 

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