The Actress

It was such a privilege to see ‘The Actress’ performed by St Michael’s Amateur Dramatic Society this evening!
This funny, yet poignant play, written by Peter Quilter is set in the dressing room of a famous actress Lydia Martin who is making her emotional farewell performance at the end of a long and illustrious career.  She wants to go out in a ‘blaze of proverbial glory’ but what she hasn't counted on is the mayhem that ensues when her brooding daughter, her needy agent, her fiancé and even her ex-husband all show up and begin to wreak havoc. Her final bow receives a storm of applause; before an emotional finale discusses her future! 
The play was brilliantly directed by Lauren Sturgess, a past member of St Michael’s ADS who was making her directional debut.  Lauren, armed with an amazing group of talented actors who worked together brilliantly as a team, created and brought to life some wonderful interesting characters!  This play, as far as I was concerned, was a winner as soon as those curtains parted!  
June Dowd, who played Lydia Martin, was outstanding!  With pages and pages and pages of script, June’s performance was faultless from start to finish.  Around her a group of very talented actors who could not be faulted either in their work.   Lydia’s daughter Nicole, played by Harriet Bibby, gave a performance of quality, just the right amount of attitude, yet toward the end of the show, bringing a caring side to the character.  Angie Fagan gave a wonderful sincere performance as the devoted dresser Katherine.  Ruth McLoughlin and Michelle Kenny, Lydia’s agent and Company Manager were excellent.  David Palin and Dave Maloney, the fiancé’s and ex husband were hilarious, yet at times, when the play required it...intimate and caring!  You really could not fault the casting of this play at all; as a ‘cast of six’, they really did work so well together producing many, many moments of magic!
The set was very well designed and constructed by Ian Field and Terry Leigh who made excellent use of every inch the stage.  Props and costumes were appropriate and enhanced the performance. If I could be so bold and bring to the attention of all societies, this is not a criticism at all; but any society thinking about using ‘fresh flowers, especially lilies’ in a production, please consider members of the audience who may possibly suffer with allergies. If your audience is close to the action, then pollen etc could be a problem! 
My warmest congratulations to all involved at St Michael’s for bringing this outstanding production to the stage. It was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish and from the applause at the end, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. 
Thank you for inviting us and your hospitality throughout was very much appreciated. We look forward to seeing you for your next production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.