Searching for Doctor Branovic

An experienced cast made the most of a good comedy script with snappy cues and great facial expressions. Opening slowly with the grieving widow, Emma Tyler (Claire Pollock) arranging her husband's funeral with Banister the undertaker (Robin Masefield), the plot gained momentum with the appearance of Joe Tyler - the deceased! Robin made a very convincing undertaker and Claire coped very well with her wordy part opposite a variety of men. As Joe, Stephen Connolly treated us to many faces, different accents and spot on comic timing. Gary Gillespie played Inspector Monroe as a typical droll Scotsman with a hint of Lt. Colombo! He had some wonderful lines to work with and often had the audience helpless with laughter! So too did Noel Cornick as the 'missing’ Dr Branovic – a master of Eastern European  accents and the 'bewildered look' - his hospital grape-eating scene was hilarious.

 The static set was the living room of the Tyler's' house with front door, kitchen door and centre back curtain which drew back enabling props changes to indicate a hospital room, undertaker's workshop or police station. The lounge suite effectively turned round to become filing cabinets and the pictures on the wall became noticeboards and charts. The limited lighting was well utilised and sound effects were on cue. Costumes and Props were well sourced and Stage team, Set makers, Front of house all performed their duties well and were rewarded with capacity houses. Director David Marshall should be proud.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.