Trivial Pursuits

The set was absolutely gorgeous with lots of attention to detail and was set in a garden of two of the central characters.  The lighting and props were fantastic and added to the illusion of a summer garden setting. The costumes suited each character well which was set in the present day.

 

The sound was good (effects etc) and projection of voices overall was better than my last visit but I was sat on the front row.

 

The play was a great choice and one I had not seen before. Being set around an Am Dram society and their choice of next show was destined for us theatricals to add to the humour as in most cases we have all been there. For me the action wasn’t sharp enough as way too many prompts were taken which slows down the action in what essentially is a farce play. This slowed down the humour and in some instances meant the humour wasn’t conveyed at all. Some of the characterisation was rather flat and I’m not sure if this was a directional issue or the individual actors not getting to grips with their character. Some of the blocking meant that sight lines were poor with so many actors and props on stage. Just like projection of voices having the director or assistants move around the auditorium to watch in rehearsals and at tech and dress can pick this up very quickly.

 

Noel Hurley was extremely good as Teddy with clear diction and great characterisation in a part that can easily be portrayed as overly camp, Noel managed to not overdo it, until the end of course. Pat Valentine was fabulous as Joyce the blond, blousy, prone to drink often leading lady. Her drunk scenes which are never easy to play, were great with super comedy timing.

 

Stella O’Reilly playing Mona was a super character which Stella portrayed very well. Her tendency to moan and have seen it all before was brilliantly conveyed. Pearl was played by Claire Nicholls with good diction but the character and her dialogue was rather.

 

Roz the long suffering wife of Nick was nicely played by Mary Doyle but some difficulties were experienced in exchanges with Paul Sloane who played Nick as he unfortunately took so many prompts. This meant the exchanges were not as punchy as they could have been.

 

Vicky Palin played Jessica the younger aspiring society female lead with good delivery but I felt her characterisation could’ve been stronger and more assured base.d on her affair.

 

Mark Ratchford was great as Derek the nerdy character whose wife has left him. His angst and boring delivery very much suited the character and again playing drunk he did vey well with super comic timing. Eileen Wilson was very good as Deidre the estranged wife who brings her “friend” Eddie played by Graeme Walmsley to the BBQ. Eileen’s character had a nice air particularly as annoyed ex and Graeme despite not being in many scenes was very funny with great comic timing and voice.

 

Overall the show was well presented but lost pace particularly in the second Act which was a shame as many of the characters were well portrayed. It was really nice to see a play I hadn’t seen before and look forward to next years offering.

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