Sweet Revenge

Sweet Revenge... a Drama staged by Rainhill Garrick Society at Rainhill Village Hall, Danes Court, Rainhill on Thursday 13th February, 2025

 

Sweet Revenge is a play written by one of Britain’s best known and popular crime writers Francis Durbridge. Although this would be his last play it was considered one of his best and I think Rainhill Garrick Society did it proud!  Ross is a successful happily married consultant, that is until his wife Fay announces she has fallen in love with the notorious womaniser Julian Kane.  Unfortunately, Julian suffers a fatal heart attack and all fingers point to Ross when his assistant discovered two phials of a potentially lethal drug for cardiac patients are missing. Many "Whodunit" plays tend not to travel from their period but "Sweet Revenge", possibly because of the imaginative plot and well defined characters ages with a level of nostalgic charm.

                 
The Cast ... we had a cast of nine and when each and every actor contributes, works well together and competently recreates their characters, it really is so difficult to mention one in particular, without doing injustice to the others, but I feel it would be remiss not to mention a couple of ‘stand out’ people from this production... so the cast included...

‘Judy Hilton’ played by Liz Munro
‘Alan Wells’ played by Peter Cliffe
‘Marian Palmer’ played by Angela Vose
‘Ross Marquand’ played by Rick Young
‘Sam Kennedy’ played by George Lowe
‘Bill York’ played by Tom Nevitt
‘Fay Marquand’ played by Alison Mawdesley
‘Julian Kane’ played by Gerald Walker
‘Norman’ Sanders played by Terry James

Those ‘stand out’ performance that I spoke about previously were ‘Ross’ played by Rick Young. Rick lived the part of a cardiac surgeon, great characterisation, great interpretation.
Secondly, I’m going ‘off stage’ to mention first time Director (Sophie Brogan) who did an awesome job with this production. At first glance this ‘Whodunit’ play looks so easy to stage, but there are many traps – all avoided and the directed moves, groupings and characterization were done with skill and panache.

Stage Manager and Lighting - Rosetta Parker
Sound - James McDonnell
Prompt - Tracey Duffy and Linda Saavedra
Props - Ruth Proffitt .... your positive contribution which was noticed throughout.
Costumes - Lynn Aconley .... thoughtfully chosen-period perfect.

A ‘Special Mention’ must be given to a lady inadvertently not mentioned in the programme and I refer to Jo Webster the ever so creative ‘Set Designer’, she, along with Richard Parker (Co-Set Designer) did a fabulous job! It’s very difficult sourcing and re-creating things from this period, but the backdrops were perfect for Durbridge’s characters to step into congrats Jo.

There was very little doubt that every actor put their heart and soul into this production, the results appreciated by a full house audience that evening!

What was nice and not always seen or appreciated was the welcome from two ladies in the Foyer who were there to welcome patrons as they arrived, nice touch, appreciated by many I would suggest!

Thank you so much for inviting me to your production, the warm welcome and courtesy shown to me throughout!

Stay safe, keep well…
‘Stronger Together’

David Davies
On behalf of
NODA NW
District 6

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