The Funeral Party

This was a superb new play from the pen of Colin Astley. Following his first play The Park Bench, which I enjoyed very much, he won the Noda SW special award for new original writing. This was very was well deserved. The Park Bench was only slightly longer than a one act play, but this time Colin produced a full length play which was a triumph.

Set in the 1930’s we followed the Grey family, at home in Langham Hall following the funeral of Sir Richard Grey, the head of the family. We quickly discovered that apart from Armitage the butler, no one regretted his passing.  But there were many mysteries to be uncovered concerning Sir Richard’s service in the army during the First World War.

This play was absorbing and in turns funny, nostalgic and evocative, and even heartrending with the descriptions of the Passchendaele Offensive during WW1. I cannot express my admiration for the author of this play. He captured the very essence and atmosphere of the period in story and dialogue and presented a masterful piece of entertainment

We were presented with an excellent period set, which, although old fashioned to modern eyes, was perfect in every detail. I wouldn’t have minded spending the evening in that room! The attention to perfect period props is to be commended, although I wouldn’t have fancied eating the sandwiches! The lighting and sound was very good, everything seen and all dialogue heard, even the shadows created by the lamps were appropriate and gave the room atmosphere and life.

 The costumes were excellent, worn well by all the cast. Costumes had obviously been well researched…  vis a vie Armitage wearing a long tie with morning coat and differing hem lengths according the age and status of the ladies.

The play was very well cast, each bringing their own personalities to the very well drawn characters’ of the author’s imagination. The ‘Dame Maggie Smith’, interpretation by Janet Griffiths as Lady Margaret was superb. She struggled manfully (woman fully) with her nasty cough, and gave the audience a great ad lib comment! Janet Astley as Lady Annabel gave an exceptional performance as the long suffering wife, now widow of Sir Richard. The fun, exceptional timing and humour of Pam Sanford-Shiels as Lady Charlotte, was a delight, a part so easy to over play, so difficult to get spot on, but she was, spot on. Tony Sutcliff was totally in his comfort zone as Sir George and gave an amusing well timed and entertaining performance. Matthew Deering presented a totally believable performance as Armitage, the butler with all the answers. He had excellent command and very good stage presence. Carol Richardson as Edith Crowther had probably the most difficult role to play. She was an enigma who had to change her personality several times as the play progressed; I loved the haughty self depreciating side of her character, very well done.

The direction of the play by the author was almost perfect, and probably exactly as he envisaged. The positioning of the furniture allowed for the static groupings to be attractive to the audience. (The word static is not a criticism as the action demanded the actors were sitting as a family group for much of the play) The timing and delivery of the dialogue was excellent with very good pace. This group of actors was very privileged as I understand the author/ director occasionally adapted the dialogue to suit the performers. My only adverse comment was of the number of prompts required during the performance. They seemed to follow a natural pause or break in dialogue… perhaps then causing a momentary lapse in concentration, but this never once spoiled my enjoyment.

I was so impressed with this play that I hope the author publishes it to allow other drama groups a superb opportunity to perform an outstanding new work.  I could even have a stab at who I would cast professionally!

Thank you for inviting me to The Funeral Party, I feel privileged to have been there for one of its premier performances.

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