Office Suite

Office Suite is ‘two for the price of one’ one act plays by Alan Bennett. The first ‘Green Forms’  aired in the 1970s with Patricia Routledge and Prunella Scales. The second ‘A Visit From Miss Prothero’ as a radio play in 1980 with, again, Patricia Routledge and Hugh Lloyd. I understand these were precursors to Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’. 

Green Forms

The curtains open to a well thought out office setting with all the paraphernalia you would expect to see in an office, lighting was kept quite simple. Back in the 70s we had economic troubles and the threat of layoffs - not far off the way things are these days! The two, obviously bored, office workers Doris (Yvonne Hegarty) and Doreen (Carol Arman-Addey) spend their time gossiping and shuffling around pieces of paper. Great chemistry between these two seasoned actors, who play the roles excellently, mastering a lot of dialogue and with a northern accent as well! They do get some respite with the appearance of Mr. Lomax (Peter Harris) and his assistant who only seems to come in to tell them bad news. I was probably expecting  a bit more humour but that’s Alan Bennett for you. If you weren’t paying attention to the dialogue, you would miss the development of the story.

A Visit From Miss Prothero

Mr Dodsworth’s front room is set at the front of the stage in front of backdrop curtains hiding the previous set. We even had a rather quiet budgie in its cage on the table at the back, the room is complete with two armchairs and side tables. Lighting and sound effects were perfect. Mr. Dodsworth (John Wilson) has retired from Warburtons after 30 years. He was instrumental in changing ways for the better in how things were done in the company. He keeps himself occupied enjoying his retirement with listening to music and his pottery class. He is initially annoyed by a visit from busybody Miss Prothero (Margaret Bown) who proceeds to tell him how, in the few months he has been retired, the old ways are changing at the company especially with computers, therefore making all his ideas redundant. Dodsworth begins to realise that perhaps he does miss work and is a little bit lonely. Acting excellence from John and Margaret in their characterisations. 

Director David Street certainly had a dream team with these five actors which made for a very enjoyable evening. 

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