Something Nasty in the Woodshed

Salterton Drama Club

Something Nasty in the Woodshed

By Sally Hedges

Based on the novel “Cold Comfort Farm” by Stella Gibbons

The Salterton Playhouse

Budleigh Salterton

Thursday 5th September 2024

 

‘Tricia Barclay

NODA SW Representative District 6

 

On such a simply dreadful evening with pouring rain and howling winds  the audience would have been forgiven for not venturing out  however there was still a pretty full house for the latest offering from this talented company. They all must have simply “sailed” down to the Playhouse as the roads were like rivers!

As usual everyone waited with eager anticipation for the tabs to open and reveal one of this company’s usual stunning sets but on this occasion proceedings opened with a difference.

Orphan Flora Poste finds herself in straightened circumstances with only £100 a year to survive on, and with the help of her friend Mary decides to  “select” a new “abode” from amongst her extended family members.

The opening scene cleverly opened to a central inset with Flora out front DSL and Mary DSR, both on the telephone discussing the various merits and drawbacks of Flora’s many relatives. 

As each possibility was highlighted the relevant characters appeared between them in the inset, giving the audience an immediate snapshot view of their attractions!

It soon becomes clear that Flora is not the easiest person to accommodate! Being extremely fastidious, she likes everything to be neat and tidy and can’t abide mess of any kind, so her choice of Cold Comfort Farm and the Doom family seemed a surprising one, especially when Mary warned of the danger of possible locals named Seth and Reuben!

The tabs opened on to a super full set depicting the farmhouse kitchen with bedrooms above, as one by one  Flora’s relatives  were introduced in all their glory, and their characters and underlying desires revealed!

All were in thrall of Ada Doom the elderly matriarch, confined to her bedroom above the kitchen, who had once seen “something nasty in the woodshed” and which had stayed with her all her life!

Not daunted in any way Flora took everything in her stride and  immediately began to sort everyone out one by one and point them to a path of fulfilment and future happiness. 

This she achieved superbly, with the assistance from time to time from the well-connected Mary!

All the characters were extremely well portrayed and were convincing and funny. Several of the cast doubled up capably in various roles, and the differences between Seth and Reuben were well defined.

Ada was suitably “doom and gloom” throughout but managed a spectacular transformation for the wedding at the end proving that life can begin at 80! 

Amos made a strong “fire and brimstone” preacher, with his “chapel of quivering brethren”, and was well supported by his rather downtrodden wife Judith whose hopes and aspirations were always on the back burner. 

Adam the ancient farm labourer was just magnificent, and his wild eyes said it all as he sidled across the stage wielding various implements, oozing with creepiness!

There were many memorable moments in this production and some very clever touches.

The introduction of a simple door DSR depicting the woodshed worked well and Meriam produced some very convincing sound effects to convey what was happening behind that door!

The central role of Flora was exquisitely played and hardly ever off stage. She was always in complete control and certainly got the measure of her disparate relatives straight away straightening  them out and dispatching them off to new horizons. 

As to be expected from this group the set was simply amazing, just perfect for the action and cleverly designed. 

The kitchen DSR complete with Belfast sink, a practical water pump and a window which was moved aside as the action dictated. The Rayburn stove USC was spot on, and all the props, dressing, and costumes perfect for the period.

The pièce de resistance came towards the end  when realistic items of food for the wedding reception were passed down through the audience to the stage. All the cakes, pasties etc looked good enough to eat!

Lighting and sound complemented  throughout, although during one short scene the constant change of spots from DS to the bedroom above was a tad distracting. Sound effects were just right  with a particularly effective “horse” off stage at one point.

Billed as an absolutely bonkers comedy, full of belly laughs the production certainly did what it said on the tin and lived up to this description in every way.

This was a fantastic and skilfully directed piece and the  team effort involved from all the cast and crew shone through from the start.

We never found out what was “nasty in the woodshed” but well done for a brilliant, successful and warmly received production once again.

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