Sitting pretty
Information
- Date
- 16th June 2023
- Society
- Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society
- Venue
- The Westcliff Theatre Clacton On Sea
- Type of Production
- Play
- Director
- Vicky Tearle
- Assistant Director
- Ian Reed-Golden
- Stage Managers
- Nikki Heap, Lucy Szmyr
I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Chairman Ralph White-Robinson and was able to discuss the production afterwards with Director Vicky Tearle.
The set was designed and constructed by the society (Vicky Tearle, Terry White and team) and had two main entrances plus a revolving fireplace. It depicted a London flat, an art class and a National Gallery cafe by clever use of discrete lighting, props and furniture moved fairly seamlessly on and off stage. There was plenty for stage managers Nikki Heap and Lucy Szmyr to organise here. There was some interesting piano music playing softly in the background whilst scenes were being changed and to provide a soothing atmosphere for the art class! Much needed!
The actors were all very well cast and interpreted and acted out their roles with great skill and enthusiasm. Some stellar performances here so well done everyone.
The storyline revolved around two middle aged sisters, Nina and Nancy sharing a London flat. Nancy, very well played by Tracy Lancaster, had recently been made redundant and had lost all confidence in herself and basically sat in the flat and did nothing all day. She was plump and frumpy and had developed a penchant for eating pickled onions from the jar much to the annoyance and frustration of her sister, Nina. Nina, admirably played by Tina Magdalena, was smart and worldly and encouraged her sister to take up a hobby.
Max, a neighbour and would be handyman was well played by Dean Kiely as a bumbling character in love with Nina. He had some brilliant facial expressions. Philip, a philandering art tutor, played by Charlie Vaughan, was suave and persuasive and considerably older than his girlfriend, Zelda, played by Rachael Welham. Zelda was loud and argumentative and eventually left Philip.
Charlotte Root had an interesting role as Josie, a would be lover of Philip. She was stroppy and argumentative and very self opinionated but possibly felt hurt and rejected by Philip.
Philip’s art class students were all somewhat eccentric! Sylvia, played by Brenda White-Robinson, was very snobbish and constantly referred to her son. Bridget, played by Rosemary Sturgiss, was a real over bearing busybody but held in check somewhat by Martin, played by Keith Sippitt who exerted a calming influence on her. Keith delivered some really good punchlines. Sam Smith, as elective mute, Luka did actually say a few words eventually.
There were a number of real comedy situations and twists and turns in the script which the cast handled well. The funniest for me was the art class which Nancy joined as a naive model. Her antics and expressions when she realised that she would be modelling in the nude were hilarious, coupled with shivering in the cold. Well played!
As Nancy grew in confidence so Nina questioned her own life more and Max inevitably changed his affections to Nancy.
Lighting and sound were all very appropriate as was the choice of costumes provided by the cast.
This was a challenging production, superbly directed by Vicki Tearle who was able to bring out the many talents within this society.
The audience was very appreciative and I certainly enjoyed the evening very much.
Congratulations to everyone involved in any way.
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.