The Cafe at the End of Thyme

This is the premiere of local award-winning playwright Chris Brannick’s play, “The Café at the End of Thyme”, which was written especially for Emley Drama Group in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. A group of very talented actors bring realism and individuality to their characters and are not afraid to show all the different emotions Brannick has cleverly assembled in this well-written play. He emphasises what is happening in peoples’ lives and that we should be looking towards the future instead of living within our memories.

The setting is a café in the small Yorkshire village of Thyme and the lives of the residents revolve around the café as a place to meet-up; whether ladies from the local craft group or people just wanting a cup of tea and an almond slice. As well as having a friendly chat, they argue and discuss issues concerning the village and reveal many secrets and home truths. The writer allows each character to let us know what is troubling them, their inability to let go of the past, but all pulling together in a time of crisis. At the beginning of each act a narrator keeps the audience up to date with all the goings-on and life in the village.   

A very experienced director, Karen Kirkup, ensured that all the actions and characterisations were perfectly put together. The actors gave first-class performances dealing with every emotion from humour to anger around their concerns for each other. The dialogue was slick and delivered with clarity and emphasis, all mixed in with varying emotions depending upon the situation.

Rosemary Osbaldeston, a member of the Mothers’ Union, appears to know it all and is always stamping her own outlook onto the matter in hand, whether anyone wants to hear of it or not. Deep down she really cares about everyone, and Jane Fellows captured this character to a “T” while also acting as the narrator at the beginning of each act. An integral part of café life is the “The Village elder” who doesn’t say anything but sits knitting or painting while watching and listening to what is happening - you always wonder if this character has something to hide. Caroline Goddard held this character together very well.

Jessica Harper, the café owner, is struggling to keep the café going and longs to sell-up and move back to her childhood home to be near her ageing parents. Jessica is permanently on the go trying to keep everyone happy and the café running smoothly but wishing for some of her dreams to come true. Heather Boulby gave a brilliant performance with boundless energy, handling copious amounts of dialogue with varying emotions and at times very complicated and technical phrases. An excellent performance.

Jessica’s second-in-command and cook is Mrs Ronnie. Her speech was very guttural but understood by many of the customers. Christine Smith’s perfect timing, body language and facial expressions were fabulous. Terry Hepplewhite, the councillor (so he said), had special feelings for Jessica and was always turning up at the café with some flowers. He had a very annoying manner of quoting “flower puns” and trying to take control of any situation and John Varlow gave a great performance.

Gordon Bates is an estate agent who is not only helping Jessica find a new property, but also has feelings for her. A splendid performance from Steve Razzelle who provided the right amount of style and flair needed for this character.

Linda Street, played by Amanda Gill, is a successful businesswoman, who doesn’t suffer fools gladly nor care if she offends anyone. Beneath this hard exterior there is a tender loving person taking care of her husband Geoff, who is suffering from dementia, and as the play progresses, we see this tender side of her. Amanda was amazing in this role, particularly with her precise diction of the dialogue. It is not an easy task to portray anyone suffering from an illness, especially someone with dementia. David Smith was outstanding as Geoff Street, playing him with such empathy that there were many touching scenes that brought home to us this disabling illness.

Annabella Hickman is a girl who ran away from the village at a young age after her mother died. She returns to the village still full of anger and hatred in her heart, never divulging what is eating away at her. This only comes to light when it’s made clear that Geoff Street is, in fact, her father and she then finds it in her heart to love him once more. The final scene sees Annabella giving her father a hug and, in that moment, he recognises her. Anna-Marie Fearnley was incredible yet another demanding role.

Another excellent production, which was  achieved by a strong and confident cast, good direction and with the support of the set design and backstage group. Thank you for the hospitality and a wonderful evening out.

Sue Cox - Drama Rep

NODA N.E REGION 14

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.