Spirit Level

Haslingfield Little Theatre’s choice of this little known play could have been risky but good marketing and loyal patrons provided them with large and appreciative audiences. Unless it is new writing it is rare for me these days to see something fresh and actually new to me.  So, along I went not quite knowing what to expect apart from a synopsis of the plot from my foray on to the Josef Weinberger website.

The setting was splendid with the all important french doors centre with an archway into the rest of the house with well chosen furniture, set dressing and props.  However, I was fazed by the ornate wooden screen which was rather pervasive.  I was expecting it to conceal something or someone but no - although it did contribute well in a couple of scenes to being a place to hang Christmas cards etc.  

Character’s costumes were well chosen and congrats to the wardrobe ladies on Flic’s gradually growing baby bump. Lighting which involved good familiarity and concentration between the script and what was happening on stage was good and well cued. One comment, as the programme mentions a couple of scenes were sunny days perhaps the wall lights could have been off and the necessary flickering being on and off rather than off and on - nit picking but…  Sound effects were set at a good level and always on cue. Although choice of intro music was good I would suggest using a guideline of a maximum of 30 seconds then fade, we did sit listening to most of the track. 

Too many spoilers to go deep into the plot, but basically when the famous crime writer Jack Cameron and his wife Susie drown in a boating accident, they are refused entry into heaven – Jack is a card-carrying atheist – so they return to haunt the country cottage where they lived. Life is dull. Their only pleasure comes from spooking the estate agent and frightening away any would-be tenants. 

On stage the whole time, James Thomas did a fine job as Jack Cameron. He worked really well with Sasha Scott who made quite an impression on her HLT debut as Jack’s wife Susie.  Both roles bring their own challenges as they are invisible to all others on stage but they managed admirably.  Two very nice performances. Things change when Susie persuades Jack to allow a young couple, Simon (Phil Chapman), an aspiring crime writer, and Flic (Katy Chapman), his pregnant wife, to move in. These two were very comfortable together on stage with Katy managing her growing pregnancy movements well and Phil finding a multitude of ways of saying “Wow”!  The scene with Jack and Susie helping with Simon’s writer’s block was highly amusing. 

Because she is bored and just for fun Suzie calls up her Guardian Angel who, when she arrives, is not the angelic figure one would expect.  Hilary Stokes was on great form as the Guardian Angel she didn’t waste a line, producing a lovely cameo performance as she tells Jack he can help Simon write his book but by an unorthodox method which caused moments of utter confusion and hilarity. Loved the sparkly mobile and the Alleluia ring tone.  

 Janice Chambers as Marcia, Flic’s monstrous mother, does her best to separate the couple but Suzie’s “influence” managed to bring out Marcia’s inner vamp much to the horror of estate agent Mark Webster (John Beresford) and the delight of the audience. Very funny.  

David Smithet made his directorial debut with Spirit Level a play which, I am sure he will agree, is not easy to direct.  Jack and Suzie are ghosts and therefore their movements must be well choreographed in order that they don't have to sidestep to move out of the way of other performers.  Similarly those who can’t see them must also move accordingly.  Congratulations to David and his assistant Rose on achieving this.  The play was well cast in my opinion.  The two couples each had good rapport with their other half and the three characters. Mother in Law, Estate Agent and Guardian Angel slotted in nicely. The pace dropped once or twice but soon picked back up and there were a couple of dialogue wobbles which were speedily dealt with. A good job well done. 

This was an extremely entertaining evening. Pam Valentine’s script is well written and very funny. Yet, as with an Ayckbourn play, one minute you are laughing the next brings a moment of emotion when you can hear a pin drop, just as when Jack first stood and then knelt to pray, before you are back laughing again.  Well done to all involved and congratulations to Director, cast and crew.  Thank you too for the lovely warm and friendly welcome from the front of house team.  

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