The Dresser

It was a pleasure to be invited to review Stage Two Downham in their production of ‘The Dresser’: a play by Ronald Harwood. This was a very beautifully written tragic comedy, which was both entertaining and moving. Set during WWII, ‘Sir’ the actor/manager of a travelling theatre company, is struggling to go on stage for his 227th performance of ‘King Lear’. Amidst health issues, air raids, and dramatic outbursts, Sir’s dresser, Norman, must cajole and flatter the old diva until he eventually goes on for what turns out to be his final performance. Director, Jacqui Shepherd created a wonderful show that took the audience on an emotive journey. Jacqui had obviously spent a lot of time honing her actors and the results were great. The dialogue flowed naturally; the comedy was well timed. The set design looked fabulous; a backstage dressing room dominated two thirds of the stage, with a door on the rear wall for entrances and exits, that opened easily and did not cause the set to shake. The set design and build by Warren Seddon, Roger Astin, and Kim Croydon was impressive, particularly given that all three were also actors within the play. They worked hard to create an authentic looking dressing room. I particularly liked the peeling and missing wallpaper; this was a run-down theatre trying to operate during the war years, it had seen better days. Costumes hung on a rail, a makeup table with mirror and lights sat stage left, whilst a chaise lounge was placed in front of a large open fireplace and used to comic effect throughout. The remaining third area to the left of the stage was dressed in blackout curtains, representing the side/wings of the stage where the actors waited to go on to perform King Lear. Paddy Keane and Alfie Bentley supplied the lighting and sound. Sound effects were used for air raids, and voices rang out representing the unseen cast of King Lear. There were no noticeable faults within the sound. The lights were kept slightly dimmed; this was after all backstage in wartime Britain. The sombre lighting added atmosphere, giving a slightly oppressive feeling reinforced by Sir’s dialogue as he deteriorated. Costumes were of the period - I did like the way Sir transformed into King Lear in front of us, the live use of makeup and hair added gravitas to the scene. Jacqui provided the audience with an excellent show and their response as the curtain fell was one of appreciation for a job well done.

Robert Crane played the role of ‘The Dresser’ – Norman. Robert gave an impressive performance throughout the play. The character of Norman is akin to a fussing wife, after years of being Sir’s personal dresser, the two have a love-hate relationship. Robert was great as the fiercely loyal, quick-witted dresser. He had vast amounts of dialogue, often told in the form of a whimsical tale. The audience laughed aloud as he delivered his lines with confidence, often whilst taking ‘hidden’ sips from his hip flask. Robert gave an engrossing performance, his accent and characterisation were delightfully funny, his comedy timing was excellent.

Kim Croydon was fantastic as the aging old actor, Sir. Having been admitted into and escaping from hospital to make his performance of King Lear, Sir was obviously very poorly from the start. Kim was wonderful, giving a believable performance as the self-appointed renowned theatre giant. Kim had long pieces of dialogue, often with Shakespeare thrown in, that he delivered with passion, displaying many emotions as he struggled to stay lucid. With a fabulous array of facial expressions, Kim was heartbreaking and comical at the same time.

Her Ladyship was played by Kate Herron. The leading lady in every production, it is revealed that she is not actually married to Sir. Kate was impressive as the worried, long suffering ‘wife.’ Moving elegantly around the stage, she delivered her lines with emotion. Her ongoing battle with Norman over Sir’s condition quietly simmering beneath their dialogue. Kate had great timing and gave a strong performance.

Playing the role of Madge was Helen Coles. Madge is the stage manager for the theatre company and her unrequited love for Sir has spanned many years. Helen was fabulous as the over-worked, stressed-out Madge. She entered each scene with purpose, as if her time were precious, and I thought the scene where she took back the ring from Sir’s recently deceased corpse was hilarious. Helen displayed some truly funny facial expressions and delivered her lines with confidence.

Marianna Morante was noteworthy as the ingenue, Irene. Trying to break into the theatre business with hopes of stardom, Marianna played the role of starlet well. Her scene with Sir and the casting couch was deliberately uncomfortable but acted wonderfully.  She was then confronted and treated terribly by a jealous Norman. Marianna gave a great performance and her rhythm on the timpani drum was impressive, she effortlessly kept the beat whilst a chaotic scene played out around her.

The role of the obnoxious Mr Oxenby/Edmund was played by Warren Seddon. Warren was funny as the pompous actor with his brash opinions. He strode confidently around the stage and clashed with Sir at every opportunity. His delivery was well timed and comical, his Tudor outfit looked great under the stage lights. A lively performance from Warren.

Roger Astin was Geoffrey Thornton, a regular within the theatre company who often played bit roles but is unlikely to reach stardom. Roger made the audience laugh as he came on in full jester costume, ready to go on for King Lear. His need for reassurance in his acting abilities from Sir obvious as tried to pry information from the ailing star. Roger was well cast and played his role with ease.

The Dresser was a thoroughly entertaining play with an impressive cast of strong players. I would like to thank the whole society for inviting me to review their show and look forward to many more in the future.

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