The Canterville Ghost

Why? A small word but a big question! In this instance it's why do more groups not produce this excellent work by Peter Quilter and Charles Miller based on the Oscar Wilde 1887 publication. The answer is apparent and is finance. Unknown or little known titles and new works are not as well supported as they often deserve and so most societies play it safe with sure fire box office productions. Well not Henfield. This is the second production I have enjoyed with them and the second that is off the beaten track and for that I salute their bravery. However not only do I salute their bravery I salute their performance and production values too as once again this resounding success for the group has been hard earned.

The set, props, stage management, costumes, hair, makeup and front of house teams had provided the very best platform for the cast and crew to deliver a first class performance and Susan Locke's company certainly capitalised on this excellent opportunity.

A six piece orchestra lead from the piano by MD, David Barnett, brought what I can only describe as a delightful score to life with a slick vibrancy only achieved when the musicians are clearly enjoying what they are playing. There were echoes of many other musical comedy themes and orchestration styles allowing one to immediately enjoy the hooks and catchy lines but at the same time maintaining enough disparity to remain unique and fresh. A little like the first time you hear a new band or artist of an existing genre that becomes a favourite. Indeed this was the reason that the music was my preferred construct of the written show. This is not to take away from a various and humorous script with nice character multiplicity.

All of the principal parts seemed very well cast and each committed to their role well providing a nice variety and depth to the characters. Graeme Muncer and Liz Gibson were a fabulously outlandish and outspoken Hiram and Lucretia Otis maintaining character throughout very well. Similarly the Otis twins, played by Abi Hearn and Lucy Walker, gave the archetypal American brats life with verve and conviction bordering on caricature, which was clearly what was directed. Linda Jordan was perfectly suited to playing the stiff English housekeeper Mrs Umney with just enough warmth, humour and charm to immediately woo the audience and eventually win over the Americans by the finale. The eponymous ghost, Simon De Canterville, was delivered suitably dourly by Kevin Locke with the kind of assurance that comes with self confidence and experience as his performance appeared clean and effortless. However the stand out performance of the production for me was Alice Forward as Virginia Otis who was very strong in character but simply exquisite in her vocal delivery and tone. Fortunately there were ample opportunities in the score for us to enjoy her singing.

Emma Desbruslais choreography was simple and effective and most importantly fitting with the score and staging, thus rounding off what was a truly enjoyable production.

I hope that other societies will take Henfield's brave pioneering lead, as this is a show worth producing and one I would like to see again in future.

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