The Diary of Anne Frank

This was my first visit to Upton Dramatic Society, and have to say I just wonder why it’s taken so long, my sincere thanks to the entire society for the welcome I received on my visit.

There was an eerie silence that fell on the audience as the lights dimmed and the music played out, a poignant moment with the sound of the violin playing from a bygone age, and viewing through a gause the two tier set. A hand made and designed set which looked striking bedecked with all the trappings that Miep and Mr Kraler could muster to help sustain the Frank family in hiding. A distraught Otto Frank is seen reminiscing with Miep Gies as to the whereabouts of his family on his return. Moving back in time now and we see the Franks trying to settle in to their attic hideout. An enthusiastic and very youthful looking Zoe Bunce gave an absolutely spell binding performance as Anne Frank moving around the set with ease and bringing out all the bounce and irritations of a young teenager of her time and very much the annoyance of her mother and the Van Dann’s good characterisation well done. Otto Frank (John Sheen) strong and moving performance carrying the character through to the end with confidence. Edith Frank (Kathryn Booth) an exemplary performance with just the right amount of accent to enhance the part, totally believable character sincere congratulations. Margot Frank (Sonia Nicholas Fox) bought an idyllic calm to the attic and family totally opposite to Anne and close to her mother an uncanny and freak accident of nature you overcame your illness extremely well to give us an endearing role well done. Hermann Van Daan (Glenn Hodgkinson) strong character would liked to have heard some accent which would have emphasised the fierceness of this man. Petronella Van Daan (Katie Cade) started with the accent but faded away all too quick good cameo role. Peter Van Daan (Joe Wilkes) another exemplary role how you managed the naivety of this character was brilliant and totally believable well done. Jan Dussel (Tim Fox) a disturbing and annoying character played well. Miep Gies and Mr Kraler ( Alissa Austin and Tony Boyd) smaller cameo roles both well suited to the roles. I think accents throughout would have enhanced the parts but overall a thoroughly enjoyable evening enjoyed by a very appreciative audience. Congratulations to sound and lighting the interjections of dialogue was quite moving.

Once again many thanks for the hospitality on my visit

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