The Bench

For their summer production, Writtle Cards chose a new play written by talented Jamesine Cundell Walker. An interesting evening where we saw eight groups of people perform meetings on a park bench.

The set that greeted us was a painted backdrop of a park scene with side flats and trees making it look very realistic. The filled bin and ‘A board’ promoting a slimming club and of course the bench graced the stage.  Bird song is heard in the background and lit for a sunny day but gradually fades to the evening light as the day draws to a close.

The Break Up

First to arrive was Bob (Daniel Curley) who was waiting anxiously for his ex - Alex (Liz Curley).  When she arrives, she berates him for being late.  Both these talented, experienced actors hold the stage with ease. Her anger and his unease as he sits taking her barbed comments are classic.  As they talk – especially about George the Tortoise, you feel he really wants to see her again rather than just be there to take back the unused kitchen appliances he has been asked to collect from their home. They leave with the hope that maybe they will get back together again.

The First Born

Next to sit on the Bench is a Woman – no name, (Sharon Goodwin), who gives us a monologue about her life.  Going through her mind is the time before she became a mother and a wife, then losing herself and becoming invisible.  Sometimes the speech was a little quiet so it was hard to hear what she said. We heard about her life, saw her expressions, from joy and happiness to sadness then despair.  The horror of her final admission as to what has happened to her and her baby leaves you feeling very emotional.

 

Slimmer’s Planet

Lorna (Clare Williams) is munching carrot sticks on a bench when Martin (Daniel Curley) arrives suited and booted with red carnation in his button hole and clutching a folded newspaper.

In their conversation you find that they are both lonely but she finds solace in food, going to slimming classes, whereas he is about to meet a blind date. Again, there was good characterisation and expression from both actors.  I loved seeing Martin squirm as he had to sit next to Lorna who had no idea of personal space and his relief when he sees his blind date and rushes off.

The Skate Board

Last of the scenes in the first half; we met Dora (Liz Curley) and Cissy (Michele Moody).  Great wigs makeup and costumes for this one, Michele was totally unrecognisable.  I loved the way these two old ladies sat with legs akimbo, discussing the youth of today, as the sounds of skateboarding children passed them by.  Talking about their reminiscences of their childhood and now berating said children in the park. Cissy remembering how she loved roller skating as a child and wishing she could go on a skateboard.  Dora talking about how there used to be flashing in the park, while she peeled a very phallic banana.  This was a lovely amusing piece where both actors were at ease with one another and gave us a good ending to Act 1.

The Care Home

In the second half we meet George and Harriet. (Daniel Curley and Sharon Goodwin). He is just enjoying sitting quietly in the park and sees Harriet crying next to him. She explains she is a carer at a nursing home and has just lost a patient. George worries about Alzheimer’s and his ‘Senior Moments’. Both gain solace from their talk together.  Excellent work between this pairing of actors.

After the funeral

Into the park comes Lena and Ella (Janet Osborne-Williams and Michelle Moody).  Both dressed in black they have just come from Lena’s husband’s funeral, Lena talks about her loss and sadness of the day. A few prompts in this scene and maybe a bit of first night nerves from Janet but elegantly acted.  Ella stays on as Lena leaves to then talk to a jogger – Fran (Debra Sparshott).  A sparky conversation follows when we find out that Ella goes to as many funerals as she can although she never knows who they are. Fran calls her a coffin chaser and pervert.  Good energy from Debra and again good costumes for this scene.

Piece to Camera

TV presenter Jay (Sharon Goodwin) is about to present a piece to camera, about a murder in the park. when along comes Kelly (Clare Williams) and sits on the bench in front of the camera.. Jay is told to get rid of her but Kelly is insistent on staying as she sits there everyday between 16.02 and 16.10. In the end we realise that she must have been a witness and Jay is left wondering if she saw the murder.   Clare’s portrayal of the autistic Kelly was excellent, as was Sharon’s tired, fed up, bored presenter who just wanted to go home.

The Bag Lady

Last but not least Is Mrs N. played with great humour and pathos by Liz Curley.  Drinking Cider from a large brown plastic bottle, she remembers her life, her friends, keeping warm with her old soldiers blanket at night where she sleeps on the bench.  Again, this was excellently acted by Liz with good costume and props. 

Attention to detail in every scene made each one very believable with lighting and sound  very suitable for the production.

A finale, with the full cast singing the first verse of The Streets of London by Ralph McTell brought this charming production to a close.  This was a good choice for directors Leila Francis and Debra Sparshot.  I really enjoyed this production on such a lovely warm summers evening and hope that they get a few more “bums on seats” for the remainder of the run. 

They were also collecting in aid of CHESS Homeless Charity and I hope that they do well for this worthwhile cause.

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