Summer End

This May Bank Holiday we find ourselves at Summer End Retirement Home and in the room shared by cantankerous Emily Baines and her companion May Brewer.  Emily is convinced that her former roommate was murdered but sadly no-one will listen to her seemingly delusional ramblings.  With accusations flying, young care assistant Sally (Hannah Barnett-Savage) soon becomes the focus of attention, but with Emily’s son Alan (Ian Dobson), a Police Officer, taking up the case, all eyes finally fall on Mrs Lang (Angela Guiver) the unassuming proprietor of Summer End.  Whilst all members of the cast gave secure performances, in particular Alison Steele as the embattled Emily, created a convincing and colourful character which she maintained throughout.  She was ably supported by Anne Dobson as May, with both ladies suspending belief and playing characters many years their senior to full effect.  The other star of the show was the set.  Whilst it could have proved problematic and may have limited the action having to have so many fixed pieces of furniture, two beds, two arm chairs, and all the other associated furniture, and particularly as Emily is seemingly immobile, the Director utilised the different playing areas to great advantage. Coupled with effective lighting and unobtrusive props which made the room believable, WADS have, once again, presented an accomplished production.  The plays writer, Eric Chappell, was once again in the audience for the performance  –  a testament to how well WADS produce this renowned writer’s work.  I am sure he will be back for “Haywire” in the summer and I, too, am very much looking forward to another enjoyable evening at Whitby Pavilion.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.