The Heiress

A fantastic set with furnishings and props of the highest quality and authenticity set the scene for this epic play that originally was performed with a very impressive cast on Broadway in 1947.

Couple with the lavish set the costumes were excellent and were spot on in the period of the play.

Nine characters gave us a most impressive line up.

Nigel Rowe playing Dr Austin Sloper was very convincing as the father who could not convey  to his only daughter Catherine his love and affection. Instead his constant “put downs” in every way made her appear no more than a child trying to please her father and never succeeding.

Caroline Roberts as Catherine Sloper got the feel of her character so well. Catherine wanted desperately to be loved and accepted, and being naïve did not see through the façade in which Morris Townsend portrayed himself, and sadly was let down with his promises which of course her father saw through from the start.

Mrs  Lavinia Penniman played by Leigh Wood had great enthusiasm for her role loving any romance between Caroline and Morris and encouraging the relationship. Leigh had a strong speaking voice and spoke her dialogue very well pointing every word.

Paul Reed playing Morris Townsend gave us a lesson in how to work his way into a young woman’s affections and his deportment and manner on stage was very correct and added to the part. A well played and timed role.

Rosamund Pettett as Mrs Elizabeth Almond another of Dr Sloper’s sisters was charmingly gracious but was not afraid to speak more freely with her brother and had more sympathy in her manner towards Catherine.

Lauren Mercer as the very attractive Marian Almond looked very elegant and had a sweet gentle nature in her dialogue.

Daniel Carter as Marian’s fiancée looked very smart and business like.

Amanda Rowe as Mrs Montgomery gave her usual enthusiasm to her character and was not averse to defending her brother when quizzed by Dr Sloper.

Lastly, Maria the parlourmaid played by Chris Sadd who did such a lot of work on stage during the scene changes and acted, as a maid would naturally do. Perhaps some of the props which seemed to go on and off rather a lot could have been simplified but nevertheless it  did cover well from scene to scene and Chris coped very well  on her own efficiently. A most enjoyable production with many of the cast having large chunks of dialogue all so well delivered.

The choice of plays with the Manifest Theatre group is always diverse and interesting which caters for the audiences enjoyment. A very good and well- chosen play. Also well done to the lighting design and operation, also the sound which is so important.

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