The Committee

The Committee – a play performed by Ghostlight Performers, on Saturday, 25th January 2025 at Ainsdale Village Church Hall, Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport.

This play, this ensemble piece, was penned by two friends Paul-James Green and Orlando Campolucci-Bordi.  The story centres around antics and activities of seven members of a committee ...  first during a Committee Meeting, then later at the compulsory visit to the pub to wind down, where most of the society decisions are made and where most of the honest truth is spoken!  There were some great characters on show, some great moments created and so many issues discussed ... things you could relate to if you’ve ever sat on a committee.... I even recognised some ‘old friends’ from committees I’d sat on who I hadn’t seen for donkey’s years ahahahah.

Production Team… not only did PJ and Orlando write this drama, PJ actually directed the production with Orlando as his assistant and what a good job they made for a first venture together.  PJ also took on one of the roles within the committee, that of the Societies Honorary Secretary. These two ‘friends’ had gathered together a good cast and from the off you could see the hard work and effort that they’d put in to get this production to stage. The cast looked happy, engaged and up for the task ahead... they all worked really well together creating their own individual characters whilst working together really well as a ‘team’ or should I say ‘Committee’, bringing out the best in all their portrayals. Well done you two ... good job for your first ‘adventure’ together!

The Cast...  we had a cast of seven, who worked their socks off creating some larger than life ‘recognisable’ characters, who, as said previously, if you’ve ever sat on a committee, you will recognise immediately!  Not sure if we had a ‘showstopping /show stealing’ performance, simply because everyone worked so well together, creating some great characters and when that happens, its hard to start saying someone was better than someone without doing injustice to others!  But, before I ‘stick my neck out’ and select MY two favourite characters, which wasn’t easy, let me introduce you to the ‘cast’ or should I say ‘Committee’:

Peter Hoyle played ‘Walter Watt’ (Chairman), been on Committee since 2000.  Possibly not the best personality for a chairman, ever so slightly politically incorrect, I would suggest!  Peter had wonderful stage presence and the ability to create a believable character.  Loved the mannerisms... the cough, splutter, the way he repeated every word, which he even kept up during the intermission raffle, which he ran with great aplomb and humour! Just one regret Peter ... I didn’t win a prize ahahahah!
Vicky Birrell played ‘Julia Lord’ (Vice Chairman), been on Committee since 2000. Played with great aplomb. Julia is very opinionated, loud and aggressive...  she tells everyone, with great gusto that she should be their leader, because she has the vision and isn’t afraid to say it as it is! Great character created, bounced off Peter and to a lesser degree Karen with effortless ease... great job Vicky!
PJ Green played ‘Arthur Stark’ (Hon Secretary) been on Committee since 2018.  Another great character created... this one, the polar opposite to Julia... quiet, unassuming, doesn’t have a voice on the committee... just watches the dramas unfold.  Loved the quiet way PJ got on with things, different character to the rest ... well done PJ.
Valerie Pedlar played ‘Esther Longhurst’ (Hon Treasurer) been on Committee since 1990. The ‘Elder Statesperson’ the ‘golden oldie’... she’s been involved since the year dot! Valerie produced a ‘real character’, possibly eccentric, but never overplayed, confident, assured ... just loved everything about this character!  Loved the story re society funds, told/acted to perfection ... be ever so proud Valerie. 
Edward James played ‘Harvey White’ (Committee Member) been on Committee since 2022. Edward never overplayed this part, which I think could have easily been done.  Only on the committee to keep Arthur sane and speak up for him when he doesn’t himself; although the arrival of the latest committee member changes his views slightly, until her admission lets him down gently.  Good character created, confident, great fit for the role, be proud!
Karen Nightingall played ‘Gwenda Evans’ (Committee Member) been on Committee since 1999. There’s more to ‘Gwenda’ than meets the eye!  There’s a great deal rumbling under the surface... you’ll have to see the play to know what! Karen took this part and made it her own, perfect fit for this role, worked well with all the cast, great character created ... be proud Karen.
Fi Billington played ‘Alina Kaminski’ (Committee Member) the ‘newby’, been on Committee since 2024. Even though she’s the ‘new kid on the block’ she’s already having doubts about being there... it’s killing her luv for theatre. She’s Polish, loved the accent created which was there throughout, was the butt of a lot of Walter’s political incorrectness.  Good character created, a character with a few deep secret that did affect some things!  Be proud Fi, good job

SHOUT OUT’S ... MY favourite characters ... this really was difficult, but I’m going to 'stick the old neck out’ and suggest.... Peter Hoyles (Walter Watt) and Valerie Pedlar’s (Esther Longhurst) as favourite characters, you’ll have your own thoughts, but these are mine.  Congrats you two... but congrats to you all... total team effort, be proud everyone!

Staging/Tech... small hall, small stage, limited technical availability, but every inch was used to its full potential.  The staging was very basic with limited stage furniture being used, tables/chairs and tables that doubled up and used in both locations, which were moved by the cast as and when.  The Stage Management was under the watchful eye of Jamie Boland who also looked after the Lighting Design with Sound being looked after by Ewan Harris. Nothing elaborate but what was used, was used well and provided everything to make this play work!

There were some great one liners... ‘favourite’ ... when ‘Walter’ wakes up after hearing a reference about Alina sexuality, but he thinks they were talking about where she came from.... ‘She’s a Lithuanian’!

A slightly different production to the last ‘Ghostlight’ play I saw, but another that, from the applause that greeted it conclusion, was another enjoyed by all present!  Can I take this opportunity to say thank you to the Ghostlight Performers for inviting Susan and I to your VIP Night, it really was a privilege and a pleasure to be with you and to see so many present!  Can I also thank Helen Bennett (Honorary President) for her welcome and for looking after us throughout the evening, appreciated Helen!   We really did enjoy the evening, loved the production and can’t wait until we meet up again…   

Stay safe and keep well….
“Stronger Together”

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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