The Chalk Garden

The writer was inspired by her own experience in advertising a post for nanny to her grandchildren. Success on Broadway in 1955 this is a dark comedy, full of emotion and intrigue. Was the chosen governess, with her huge knowledge of horticultural matters, but holding no references, all she seems? After a luncheon with a Judge we discover he sentenced her for murder. This interesting household was full of complex characters dependent upon one another, together with an aged unseen bedridden butler having a very strong hold on them. Mrs St Maugham lives for her garden. She is an elegant grandmother overseeing a trying granddaughter, is visited by absentee, twice married and newly pregnant daughter. Assisting the household is a nervous manservant, and a strict nurse. Two other interesting job applicants appear together with a rather indecisive Judge. With Michael Patrick’s vision within Peter Huxley’s perfect sitting room setting, Mrs St Maugham was elegantly played by Angela Patrick, with well cast daughter Olivia played by Fiona Murch. The tiresome child was nicely characterised by Natalie Cheese, with a faultless strong performance from Gillian Davis as Miss Madrigal. Simon Phelps was a convincing undermined manservant, with excellent cameos from Barbara Gray, Joan Eade and Robert Percival. An excellent contender for the KDA 2012 Festival.

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