Sleighed To Death

I was welcomed on arrival by Chrissie Donegan and Linda Potter at Front of House.

I never cease to be impressed by the sets designed and built by this society considering the very small stage area and this set was no exception. The action took place in the sitting room of a country house on Christmas Eve which was beautifully decorated with Christmas cards and decorations and a substantial Christmas tree. There was a sideboard, a chaise longue and a realistic log fire in the fireplace, dado rails and a hanging bed warmer and a lovely central exit to “the garden”. Lighting and sound effects and levels were both very appropriate and costumes were all very relevant for the period ie 1930s. Stage Manager, Greg McDowell was kept busy moving props on and off very slickly.

Sergeant Pratt lived up to his name and Jordan Brown played this part very convincingly. His diction and characterisation of this bumbling and inept character constantly muddling his words (malapropism) and his failed magical tricks contributed greatly to the humour in the play and this was an excellent performance by Jordan. Jordan’s sidekick, Liz Mcleod as Constable Potter dressed as an angel throughout was a good foil to Jordan providing pragmatic and common sense solutions to the constant dilemmas.

Rob Porter, as Sir Walton Gates was well cast as the portly chortling aristocrat, trying to ease family tensions and this was a stellar performance from Rob. Gemma Holman-Quinn was a strong and bitchy Grace Gates, second wife of Sir Walton whilst Katherine Johnson was Emma Gates, the daughter of Sir Walton. Neurotic and demanding in this role, Katherine threw a fantastic tantrum on stage.

I loved the character of Archie Gates, the mischief making estranged brother, well played by Richard  Kemp-Luck. Was his Australian accent real or rather dodgy? A very convincing interpretation by Richard. The role of James Washington, an amorous lothario and boyfriend of Emma was well acted by Chris Holman.. Chris was dashing, suave and persuasive in this role.

Sara Talbot-Ashby played the very dour Secretary to Sir Walton, Morag Mckay. Some of her facial expressions were hilarious as she visibly disapproved of the chaos erupting on stage.

This was a very fast moving comedy thriller with a first rate performance from the entire cast. I enjoyed this production very much as did the audience.

Congratulations to everyone involved and particularly Director Maree Noons and producer Chrissie Donegan . Another excellent production by this small but talented society.

 

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