NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND

A different theatrical experience, with a strong cast and excellent technicals.  The Director made the most of every area of the production, with good input from other sources.

The set was a surprise – as looking at it when we entered the auditorium we thought it was very basic, however once the house lights went down we saw it was a video wall with an arched top, a further video wall on top of that, and steps up both sides to a secondary platform on the higher level, giving more stage space. 

Technically I was very impressed, designed by Fred Rayment, with Craig Fisher sourcing the various projections, that were so in keeping with the time and the places where the play was set, invoking so many memories and a real feel of the era.  The doors within the lower video wall gave movement to the scene and set, and were very well-planned.  I particularly loved the way the bus moved across with the doors being used for the bus driver to look out.  Music was reminiscent of the times, and was not intrusive.  Extremely well imagined.

Lighting echoed the ethos of the play, and effects such as the flashes at the end of Act 1 were startling, with beautiful effects for the hills and Devil’s Dyke. 

The cast were all invested in playing their multiple parts, all different in execution and some very quick costume changes!

Marlon Gill as Bill Bryson held the whole play together, he is so well-suited to this type of part, where everything pivots around him – very well-achieved.

Camilla Alexander-White’s main role was as Cynthia, Bill’s wife, a sympathetic portrayal, that contrasted well with her other parts – a good variety of expression in her other parts.

Alistair Brown gave us some lovely characters, the Colonel and others, each one showing his experience in creating different personas, but all with that twinkle in his eye, a wryness and irony in delivery.

Adam Butcher whose characters included Vince, again showed his skill and compliance, always good to see what he does in a role, and here he had plenty to exercise his flexibility.

Katrina Bygate created a very forthright Mrs S, I loved her approach to the detail of a landlady’s requirements, with other roles falling well within her undoubted expertise.

Sophie Nickerson created some good characters within the framework of the various scenes, including the bus driver, and newspaper seller - nicely achieved.

Tricia O’Toole’s main role was Yvonne, who she played well, however she added much to the proceedings with her input into her other roles – very well done overall.

A funny play, with so many references to an age I knew well, made particularly interesting with the projection references.  My thanks to the Rep for their hospitality.

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