Priceless

Diggle All Stars latest production was “Priceless.”  We entered the hall to a closed stage with a heavily laden coatrack visible and a lecturn set off to one side front of curtain.  Tables and chairs were set out with checked cloths similar to cabaret style seating. Diggle All Stars were trying something very different this time, they had included a pie and pea supper and also a quiz sheet on each table but then there was an audience participation section where Director Hilary Edgerton became an “auctioneer”, auction assistants Bella Sweeney-Musselle and Ruby Marshall brought out and showed off various items, the audience had to bid with limitless pretend funds  – this was great fun and the audience certainly seemed to enjoy it - I know I did.

The production consisted of  a fixed set painted by Gill Haywood and Truda Sutcliffe which was a room in a stately home, there was a chair, a chaise longue, a table with a “ming” vase on it, painted portraits hung on the walls, a bureau was to front of stage, a small couple of stairs with bannister rail were at the rear of the stage adding some depth and a good visual entance\exit. The lighting and sound by Steve Crabtree and Alan Alder were controlled from a desk at the rear of the hall, unfortunately at times there was too much talking noise from the lighting desk which made it distracting and very difficult to hear the dialogue on stage. Within the play there was a scene set at night where the burglars are in the house , lighting showed some great night time  shadows that were very effective – well done. The costumes and props were supplied  by Janet Iles , they were very much in keeping and looked right on the stage. There were a few nerves evident on the night I attended, timing and pace were a bit out  and I did hear quite a few prompts from Dorene Allport but the audience were very much enjoying the production and it all added to the comedic element and didn’t detract from the performance.

John Smart played Tom and Linzi Wicks his wife Anna, they were a lovely solid, believable pairing. John has a presence and an air on stage which instantly puts an audience at ease, he has clear diction and an expressive face. Linzi balanced well with equally clear diction, her characterisation was much more exasperated and excitable  than John`s, they both used their stage space  crossways well, but personally I would have liked to see more dialogue played at the front of the stage. The pairing of Martin Luke (Dodge) and Zoey Sweeney (Jay) as the bungling burglars was comedy gold, Zoey has such an expressive face and she uses it well, their timing in parts was great. Hazel Edmends as  Linda had a strong characterisation, she used her stage space well and her pace was good. Shirley Luke as Sylvia had some good comedy moments, her diction was clear.

Thank you for inviting me, both my guest and I enjoyed your performance of “ Priceless.” I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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