On Golden Pond

Playwright, actor and director Ernest Thompson wrote this, his best known play in 1979. It was set  around the early 1980’s on Golden Pond in Maine and was inspired by his time spent on the shores of the lake as a child. It gets close up and personal exploring family relationships, love, regrets and the fragility of life along with valuing every moment as we get older.

Director, Richard had put together this cast, including a two new actors to Deben Players. Chris Ellis played Norman Thayer.  He was so natural and most impressive in his portrayal and without realising it  you get sucked deeper and deeper into his character and what makes him tick. He was almost a ‘Victor Meldrew’ type of character, gruff, abrupt  and with an inner anger of not being able to remember simple things in his early stages of dementia.  His long suffering wife Ethel, played by Sarah Lowen has got used to  tolerating his  ever increasing cantankerous ways especially over their more recent years together and just  wants all  her family to be happy.  A  talented actress in a role she plays with warmth and compassion showing the deep affection between them despite their problems.  Their daughter, Chelsea is played by Ebony Rock and is also a new member of Deben Players. She has a strained relationship with her father, one which she is desperately trying to improve upon whilst having a close mother and daughter relationship with an empathy between them. One which is demonstrated as they remember a little song they both used to sing together. A difficult role, so many mixed emotions which she achieves most effectively.  

Chris Perry plays the outwardly jovial Charlie Martin, the postman, a character who the family have got to know well over the years and is very comfortable and relaxed in his role, however showing underlying regrets at his failure in past relationships, especially with Chelsea.  Oscar Blackwell is Billy, Chelsea’s  soon to be stepson who stays with Norman and Ethel over the summer. He is the epitome of a modern young man with his American ways and sayings and generates an affinity with Norman on their fishing trips together. He is very convincing bringing a ‘breath of fresh air’ to his role.  Bruce Alcorn plays Chelsea’s  fiancé, Bill. A good portrayal with excellent timing. I was especially impressed with his reactions, hesitations and doubts showing clearly in his embarrassing conversations with Norman.   

The setup of the seating area had been changed slightly to give a more intimate feel to the production. The set, numerous props and costumes all looked suitably rustic for this cabin on the lake.  There were some good sound effects and the lighting all looked effective. Well done to all the production team.

Congratulations to Richard and his talented cast who certainly gave us all a very memorable and emotional piece of theatre. Thank you for your hospitality, it was good to see you all again.

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