Over The Rainbow
Information
- Date
- 16th March 2023
- Society
- In Your Face Theatre (Seaham)
- Venue
- Seaham Town Hall
- Type of Production
- Play
- Director
- Alexandra Cox
- Written By
- Tom Casling
In Your Face Seaham have never shied away from a challenge or been afraid of pushing the boundaries and this was certainly the case in their presentation of this new play by local play write and author Tom Casling.
The play is set in the present and during the Golden Wedding celebrations of John and Jean Cunningham which are curtailed when their daughter arrives upset and without her husband. There are many laughs to be had as well as some moving moments looking at the challenges faced by all members of society due to a lack of understanding in the use of language, life choices and representation for LGBT+ people. At times uncomfortable because of the portrayal of inappropriate language and bigoted opinions but overall the message is one of love, inclusion, acceptance and caring for each other.
The set consisted of the performance area being divided into three main areas, the living room of John and Jean, a café/hospital room and the local pub “The George and Dragon”; the layout of the living room meant there were a couple of cast positioning challenges. Furniture and props were good and the lighting plot and sound adequately complimented the piece.
Bill Packard took on the role of John, the stereotypical northern man who doesn’t or chooses not to understand what is happening within his family. Bill played a good strong character and was very natural and believable in his delivery. I particularly enjoyed the rapport with John and his pal Stan, played by Steven Norman, as they visited the local pub together. Norma Ord as Jean was excellent, delivering the comedic as well as the tender moments to perfection. The couple’s friends and neighbours Cathy and Dave played by Elizabeth Herdson and Barry Thomas gave good solid performances, as did Anne Malpass as Mavis another friend of the family. As the formidable Father Dan, David Jackson’s assured presence was felt each time he entered the stage and the Drag Queen played by Karl Hansen was certainly a force to be reckoned with. Debra and Ashley, the couple facing the most difficult challenge of their relationship, were played with conviction by Lindsay Hare and Ethan Roberts; both actors gave sincere and believable performances, especially in the scene at the hospital. Other supporting roles were well played by Kat Thompson, Catherine Bartley and Jonathan Ryan.
The conclusion to the play was a coming together of everyone to promote understanding and acceptance and homage was paid to “The Wizard of Oz” story and the need for a heart, brains and courage for some of the characters.
Congratulations to Alexandra and the team at IYFS for tackling a challenging subject matter and for giving your audience an entertaining as well as thought provoking evening.
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