SPIRIT LEVEL

I was more than happy to cover for my colleague, Bryan Craven, in attending and reviewing the latest offering by the STARS Theatre Group based in Adel, Leeds.

This group have consistently pleased their audiences with excellent play choices and this play is no exception. Witten by Pam Valentine, 'Spirit Level' was a deight and so true to her writing talents, honed perfectly over the years combining humour, witty one-liners and pathos all adding to the mix.

The premise of the story was simple, yet effective. Set in Cobblers Cottage, Yorkshire, Jack Cameron, a famous crime writer and his wife Susie, are engaged in conversation in the sitting room - all seems very normal - until the arrival, unanounced, of a pompous estate agent, followed by a young couple, eager to rent the cottage. The realisation that Jack and Susie are ghosts makes for a real twist as they interact with others, but remain 'unseen'!  The young couple really want to move in and the husband, on realising that the cottage once belonged to Jack Cameron is thrilled to think that his own writing career will take off with such illustrious surroundings!  Throw into the story an overbearing mother-in-law and a harassed but well-meaning 'guardian angel' and you have a most intriguing and enthralling play.

The play was directed by Chris Binns who also played the lead role of Jack Cameron - no mean feat, bearing in mind, the actors had to avoid eye and physical contact. It was exquisitely directed by him and a clever characterisation of his role. His long-suffering wife, Susie, was played by Joan Kay perfectly - their initial scenes giving nothing away as to their ghosty presence - both had perfect comic timing. The prospective renters, Simon, a would-be writer and Flic Willis, his wife, played here by Dave Harris and Georgia Dennis, gave their characters real meaning, as did Bernard Wilson as the confused estate agent. The interfering mother-in-law, Marcia, was played with great aplomb and great comedy touches by Judith Smith, as did Janine Head, as the Guardian Angel. This brilliant ensemble gave the most amazing performances - their timing superb, diction faultless and with strong characterisations.

Alongside the comedy, Pam Valentine had adfded some truly poignant moments - Jack Cameron is an atheist and as such cannot enter the 'Pearly Gates', much to Susie's chagrin, as they are in 'Limbo' stuck in their cottage after an accidental drowning in an Italian lake - it sounds so sombre but in the writer's hands, leads to some very witty scenes. None more so than when Simon has 'writer's block', Jack tries to 'inspire' him and when Flic has her baby close toChriostmas....shall we say it all 'ends' happily!

Played on a nicely designed and well dressed set with first-class props, the Stage Manager was Nikki Hood helped by a Set team - Mel Silver, Brian Stead, Jeff Brown, Fran Silver and Julie Birmingham - may I add, very efficient scene changes. Props were by David and Joan Waite, Lighting by Peter Wallwork and Andy Wright, Sound by Neil Bradford, Wardrobe, Clare Burnside (and the cast). Tilly Potter handled the Bookings, Programme by Dorothy Schofield and STARS members worked hard front-of-house. This was indeed an excellent team effort and without this good back-up team, it's harder work for the actors!

Memorable scenes for me were when Susie 'got into the head' of Marcia and turned her from a nasty piece of work into an over-sexed woman, climbing over the poor, unwitting estate agent - absolutely hilarious! - the Christmas decorations appearing to 'float' in mid-air by the 'ghosts' and also the Guardian Angel contacted by St Peter on her mobile phone - so funny!

The audience's reaction to this performance strengthened my belief that it is so important to keep the 'D for Drama' in NODA - with the demise of professional regional play tours, it is so good to know that amateur theatre groups are still keeping the flame alive - nothing beats a good play, well directed with strong actors, as STARS continue to do so.

My sincere congratulations to you all.

 

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