The Italian Straw Hat

Frodsham Players were back performing in the outdoors with their production of ‘The Italian Straw Hat’, which had been adapted and directed by Tony Boyd-Williams. Turning a five act French farce, into a one act play is no mean feat, and Tony did well with his adaptation. There were a few issues with the continuity of the piece that could be looked at for the future, but it is a farce after all – and anything can happen in a farce! The prologue appeared to be there to add some time to the production and create more of an evening. Although funny, it didn’t add anything to the plot, apart from the end when it made reference to a character wearing an Italian straw hat. Tony had set this in the round, with two main entrances. This created an intimate setting, and the cast worked well in close proximity to the audience. The pace of the production was good, with some quick entrances from the cast, which is imperative in this genre. Generally speaking, the interactions between the performers were good throughout. Projection from the cast was good throughout as well, having to contend with noises from the outside world! There appeared to be a clash of eras with the costumes, from the denim jacket of Robin to the period appropriate dresses of The Countess de Champigny and The Duchess of Quelque Place. There needed to be more consistency across the costuming to determine the setting of the production.

Technically, nothing much was needed for this production. With it being an outdoor production, there was no need for lighting. Music recordings were used during transitional periods. These were cued on time and provided a nice interlude between scenes.

David Varley played the lead, Fadinard, who we joined on the morning of his wedding. David showed a great knack for comedy, and had a great stage presence. He had excellent facial expressions, and his asides and adlibs to the audience were spot-on. David showed a great awareness to what was happening, both in the play and outside the play, making a reference a passing train.

Playing Fadinard’s bride, Hélène, was Sue Southern. Sue was suitably aloof in this role, who was keen to marry her fiancé. There were some great interactions with the rest of the cast, especially Carol and Martina.

Carol Crooks played Madam Nonancourt, Hélène’s mother. Carol was a dominating mother, wanting the best for her daughter, and she got this across well. Her trademark line got laughs when delivered.

Martina Keith-Stewart played Robin, Hélène’s cousin. Martina gave a good performance, wanting the best for her cousin. She was forthright and created some good comic moments.

David Leslie played Vezinet, an elderly uncle. David is a watchable performer, and there is an easiness to his acting. This role allowed David to show his comic acting, which he did well, even if his character displayed stereotypical tropes.

Ali Wheeler played both Anais and The Duchess of Quelque Place. Ali did well in these roles, adding greatly to the plot. She worked well in her scenes with both Tony and Sue.

As well as adapting and directing, Tony Boyd-Williams appeared as Emile Tavernier. Tony did well as this authoritative figure, using his voice and body to convey this.

Jack Boyd impressed as Felix and Jules. He was full of energy and engaging to watch. He had some wonderful asides to the audience, which were very funny.

Emily Earps gave an engaging performance as Virginie. She was suitably flirtatious, and worked well with Jack.

Clare Prebble played Clara and Delaforce. This was a pleasing performance from Clare, playing two different roles. As Clara, she worked well with David, but really came into her own as Delaforce, displaying some great comic moments.

Ian Lancaster put in a humorous performance as Tardiveau, creating a good, comic partnership with Clare. His asides and interactions with the audience were very funny.

Sue Elliott played The Countess de Champigny. Sue was able to get across her social standing well, and displayed some great facial reactions showing her disgust to Fadinard’s singing.

Glenda Boyd-Williams appeared in a cameo role as Marie. This was a nicely played role by Glenda, who was assured in what she was doing.

Martin Stockdale played Ventoux. Martin did well in this role, and played the drunken husband convincingly.

Overall, this was a pleasing production. There were some very good performances, there were laugh out loud moments, and it was a neat adaptation.

Thank you to Frodsham Players for their kind invitation.

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