The Killing Of Sister George

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Directer Ian Reed-Golden and spoke with him and the Assistant Director Dean Kiely during the interval and at the end of the performance.

On entering the auditorium I was most impressed with the wonderful set designed and built by Terry White and crew. Once again a most attractive set, depicting the living room, filled the stage with plenty of entrances and exits and doors that opened ! It was furnished with chairs, a table and settee and there was an attractive window at the back showing the illusion of rooftops beyond. Lighting enhanced the set and was cued in on time as were the sound effects with gentle background music eg a Petula Clark song suggesting the 1960s setting. Sound levels were generally good with a little more projection needed in places. Costumes were sourced by the cast and were appropriate to both the character and the period.

This was a most challenging production for both the cast and the Director. There were only four character parts, all female, which meant that the script was demanding for the actors two of whom were onstage for most of the time.

The major role was that of June Buckridge alias Sister George admirably played by Natalie Dwan. Natalie captured this character very well with her portrayal of the middle aged District Nurse in the well liked radio series.. Whilst popular with the locals as she travels around singing hymns, in reality she is foul mouthed and frequently swearing at both herself and others. She had great stage presence and was very dominant with some super movements and expressions here. An alcoholic and lesbian, she was in a love/hate relationship with Alice ( Childie) McNaught well played by Lily Griffiths. Alice was very subservient to Sister George being very childish and emotionally fragile. She was constantly playing with her doll for reassurance. There was good stage chemistry between Natalie and Lily. However as the play progressed Alice gradually broke away from the influence of Sister George and formed a relationship with Mrs Mercy Croft.

Mercy Croft was the calculating and predatory executive at the BBC responsible for the radio series. She had decided to change the radio series and arrives to tell Sister George that the character will be written out. This part is well played by Dawn Quest who adopts a stiff and severe attitude. However she falls for Alice who reciprocates!

The fourth role is that of Madam X, played by Kat Swift. She is a neighbour and a self styled psychic and fortune teller. Handy with the tarot cards she floats in and out in a somewhat ethereal way. Well characterised.

There was an interesting moment when the lights went out and the radio started broadcasting. I also liked the final touch when Sister George was alone on a darkened stage bathed in light. Good touches.

This play would have been well ahead of the times in the 1960s and I congratulate Director Ian Reed-Golden and Assistant Director Dean Kiely for their creativeness and ability to bring the play to the stage.

Well done to everyone involved.

 

 

 

 

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