Out of Focus (Revised Edition)

As usual this Company made innovative use of the wide acting space in this venue to represent a Church Hall, typical of those in use all over the country, with the familiar notice boards, trestle tables, crockery, and chairs. 

The action unfolded as members of various local clubs began to drift in all thinking that they had hired the Hall for the evening!

Confusion reigned from the outset, not least for this member of the audience who not expecting the revised edition initially waited with eager anticipation for the fierce lady from the art class to enter and “take over” the proceedings!

However, this role was ably filled by Helen the forceful Brown Owl who immediately showed her disapproval of the other groups and who was not at all prepared to have her Brownie girls usurped! A great part for this performer who quickly tried to turn the situation to her own advantage.

Poor Evonne’s plans for her first pantomime rehearsal, the Badminton Club’s “big game” and Leonard’s riveting illustrated talk on steam locomotives, all fell by the wayside until everyone decided to come together and put their energy into the production of the pantomime.

Oh yes they did!

There were some diverse characters in this piece, and some underlying “issues” which manifested themselves as the action went along.

It was good to see some new faces joining the cast and as is customary with this Company given the chance to “have a go” and gain experience, in sometimes unexpected roles. 

Evonne was played by a relatively young member who certainly threw herself into the part, highlighting her inexperience as a producer and in constant fear of disappointing her exemplary husband, she certainly made the most of her scenes towards the end as she took solace from the alcohol at the last night party!

The Badminton Club players were a motley crew. Businessman Bob conveyed his character well, obviously with his eye on his young, glamourous secretary Linda, and at odds with his wife Kath. The role of his long-suffering wife was believably and sympathetically played and made for a stabilising influence throughout.

Badminton opponent David, part of the visiting Police 2nd Team, in an eye-catching pair of shorts, was also endearingly played. Brushing off the attentions of Helen, who immediately “took a shine” to him, and pounced from the start, his eye fell on the more amiable and gentler Sue, who made for another calming presence throughout the proceedings. 

The experience of the performer playing “wide boy” Wayne was evident, his initial bravado breaking down as he failed to impress the “femme fatale” Linda. When she finally dumped the ghastly Bob, with his dodgy “work trips” the two bonded as she encouraged him to simply be himself.

Making up the cast of potential hall hirers was “nerdy” Leonard, with his steam locomotive slides and as he put it “an eclectic range of topics” such as trains, spiders, earthworms, and pigs to name but a few! Dressed in an extraordinary pullover and tie, with sticking plaster on his specs, he was your typical “anorak” character, out to bore everyone to death, which this performer achieved excellently. It was slightly disappointing that he didn’t turn out to be the “life model” for the art class – but perhaps another day!

At times from the right of the auditorium there were some difficulties with sightlines , the music could have continued when the action was delayed when a quick costume change was required, and perhaps the house music could have started a tad earlier.

The pantomime costumes were great, and the Ugly Sisters earned well-deserved audience reaction particularly when Helen was forced to step in, much to her disgust!

Another fun production, and enjoyable evening from this inclusive Company which again they managed to take out “on tour” to neighbouring villages.

 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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