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One Man Two Guvnors

Author: Hazel Hole

Information

Date
17th November 2022
Society
Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society
Venue
The Westcliff Theatre Clacton On Sea
Type of Production
Play
Director
Rachael Welham
Assistant Director
Paul Welham
Stage Manager
Di-onne Holloway

                         

I was warmly welcomed at Front Of House by the Chairman, Ralph White-Robinson and colleagues.

This is a very well known, hilarious farce, directed by new Director, Rachael Welham.

The set design ( Terry White) was very original consisting of triangular moveable pieces with each side depicting a scene ie house, outside the pub and the seaside with a door each side which enabled plenty of frantic movement in the hotel scene. There were a number of props, including chairs, sofa and tables, often moved on and off by the cast. I particularly liked the illusion of a staircase at the back of the stage which was so realistic !

Without exception every actor was totally immersed in their character and there was much split second timing throughout. Impressive character acting throughout !.

Dean Kiely, as Francis Henshall, a failed skiffle player was outstanding on stage as he attempted to satisfy his two guvnors. Dean was everywhere on stage playing the role at a cracking pace with great enthusiasm and energy. He was a larger than life character, especially in the hotel scene which was hilarious as Francis was always hungry and after any food.! He also had an alter persona as Irishman Paddy, complete with an attempt at Riverdance ! Well done Dean.,

The two guvnors, Drew Welham as a rather arrogant Stanley Stubbers and Jo Thorne as Rachel Crabbe, masquerading as her dead brother Roscoe, a rival gangster, were both strong characters played very well and Jo was most convincing as Roscoe.

There was a good deal of audience participation throughout, wlth a “plant” in the audience which all added to the comedy.

Charlie “ The Duck” Clench, played by Ian Reed-Golden was convincing as a retired gangster whose daughter Pauline, played by Hayley Favell, was celebrating her engagement. Her intended, Harry Dangle, played by Bill Edwards was quite melodramatic in his role as an aspiring actor. Solicitor, Alan Dangle, played by John Thomson, was suitably serious and circumspect but rather opportunistic in the role whilst Kate Braithwaite played Dolly,the somewhat officious bookkeeper with attitude. Baris Yerli, as publican Lloyd Boateng was true to character.

Peter Norfolk stepped into the role of Alfie at the last moment as Keith Sippitt, originally cast in the role was unfortunately indisposed. This role was totally hilarious as Alfie was a very geriatric, very frail waiter with a mop of white hair, and his attempts to carry a tureen of soup safely, in an unsteady gait were absolute farce. He had an amazing ability to apparently fall down the “stairs” backwards in the hotel scenes. Well done Peter.

Small parts were taken by Frank Bye (Gareth, Taxi Driver and Policeman ) Peter Norfolk ( Vicar) and Vicky Tearle ( Old Lady with a piercing scream )

There was a small band playing and singing at the back of the stage during scene changes, representing the skiffle era. There were some interesting renditions of Beatles songs.

Sound levels and lighting ( some appropriate spots)were realistic and interesting and costumes ( Gwen Porter) were relevant to the period.

Many congratulations to new Director Rachael Welham for creating this inspiring production with a magnificent cast. Well done to everyone involved in any way.

The audience loved this hilarious evening and appreciated being part of the comedy and I also enjoyed it very much.

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