Return to Thrush Green

A Joint production by Redlynch Players and Fordingbridge Players, “Return to Thrush Green” is the second play that director Ron Perry has adapted from the “Thrush Green” Series of books written by Miss Read, the pen name of Dora Saint.

 Ron Perry’s original play told the story of Mrs Curdle’s annual May Fair. Several years have now past and the story moves on. The Fair is now run by Ben Curdle and his wife Molly, however business is not good, therefore they considering selling the fair and looking for work and a permanent home in Thrush Green, where Ben and Molly met and where her father still lives.

A very impressive set had been constructed in the knave of the church, which created the effect of a village green surrounded by houses, with the magnificent looking church organ stage left. The church organist was playing as we entered the church which gave a wonderful atmosphere to the venue.

The play opens as the parishioners of St Andrew’s church, Thrush Green are singing the closing hymn at the end of the Sunday morning service. This is followed by the Vicar reading the parish notices and we begin to meet all the wonderful characters who reside in the village of Thrush Green.

This story line was very light hearted and easy to follow, the change of scenes flowed easily with little distraction with lovely musical interludes. There was some wonderful comedy within the script which allowed Jill Saunders (Dotty Harmer) and Mark Newman (Willie Bond) to shine and to steal each scene that they were in, two outstanding performances. There were also fine performance elsewhere in the cast, my favourites being Sarah Newman (Nelly Tilling) and Ali Silver (Ella Bembridge). A special mention must go to Wendy Reid, who went on with script in hand, to play part of Dimity Dean, to cover for the illness of a cast member. I thought that she was excellent, very impressive.

Towards the end of the second act there was a very funny scene, where the vicar was trying to propose to Dimity, whilst the same time Nelly was trying persuade Albert to let her move in. I thought that the delivery and the timing was superb and that it was a very clever bit of writing.

When I noticed the organist take up his position, I was expecting the final scene to be a double wedding with some fine organ music, but it was if fact the Christening of the latest member of the Thrush Green community that brought the play to a suitable end. It did leave me wondering whether Ron Perry is already planning a further play about the wonderful characters of Thrush Green

An excellent production that was very enjoyable

 

 

 

 

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