Searching for Dr Branovic

The Hall Players had decided to choose this comedy as their final play of the season. It was written by David Tristan who has written many comedies, which are all a little unusual and off-beat. Maureen Nickson had been asked to direct this production and it was certainly a challenging task especially with only a small playing area in which to present the very different locations. Ian Kennedy and his team had built the set and the action moved seamlessly from “Hospital” to “The Tyler’s Lounge”, The Police Station” and “Mr  Banister’s Workshop”. Congratulations on the very solid door with various security locks, which was used very effectively, showing no signs of movement!

The five cast members worked very well together and kept up the pace, which is extremely important in this genre. We were fascinated by the story line, which kept us guessing throughout!

Carol Buckley as Emma Tyler was outstanding as the “widow”. She commanded the stage at all times, showing great timing and a thorough understanding of her character.  Clive Nixon as Joe Tyler demonstrated boundless energy and alacrity as he moved from one crisis to another. Nigel Parsons played the difficult role of Inspector Monroe so well.  The character of Inspector Monroe is a mixture of many different facets, the archetypal P.C. Plod, with hints of Inspector Clouseau and Colombo. Nigel was superb with excellent facial expressions, body language and comic timing.

Dominic Swarbrick as Dr Branovic obviously enjoyed this character. He is constantly improving with each production in which he appears. There was an imaginative choice of music between the scenes and very effective sound effects helped to create the required atmosphere.

The reaction of the audience showed that The Hall Players have provided yet another very entertaining evening.

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