Occupational Hazzards

The box set for this premiere was well designed and constructed, with a view from the window out to the front doorstep where quite a lot of the action takes place. The Properties however were a little sparse, even though the script calls for a minimal set, the furniture and decoration of the Vicarage were too austere, in my opinion. The Sound and Lighting by Mel Pugsley, assisted by Edward Welsh, was well designed and executed. The contemporary Costumes were good, except for the Policeman’s trousers that were quite obviously not part of a Policeman’s uniform.

This was an interesting comedy with a twist at the end that was handled well by both Director and Cast.

Christine Marriot and Guy Makey were suitably deadpan as the uniformed Police Officers who are called out to investigate reports that the Church had been occupied by Protesters. Ronald Stevenson was Bill Gould, the Vicar of Hawk’s End who had to try to deal with the situation. Jane Crittenden as the Vicar’s long suffering wife Beth, played her part very well with good timing. Tony Burrin as Major Daniels was very good and natural in the role, as was Ann Monk as Churchwarden Margery Fish. Kelly Mason as Julia Styles was excellent, with machine gun delivery of dialogue. Bob Pugh was suitably dodgy as the Vicars wayward brother Tim. Rosa the Protestor, who lives a double life was confidently performed by Jeanette Brown, as was Phil Green in the part of the Bishop.

This was generally a well performed piece of work, well Directed by Michael Black.

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