The Lady Vanishes

My last NODA Review 2021 season was watching the brilliant The Lady Vanishes by Frodsham Players at Frodsham Community Centre. This version by Ethel Lina Waite, adapted by Derek Webb, was one of the better versions that I’ve seen. The script was pacy and showcased each individual character, without distracting from the original storyline.

Directed by Carole Shinkfield, this production was certainly in great hands! Setting this production in the round allowed the opportunity for various entrances and exits and scene changes to happen in ways that weren’t distracting or time consuming. Scene changes were swift, and all members of the cast were very well drilled and rehearsed. One thing that I did notice is that the continuity of the entrances and exits was a little confusing. For example, the entrances & exits for the waitress was always consistent but the same cannot be said for all of the compartment scenes. Visually, this production was very strong. The nod to the train lights and steam etc was brilliantly executed, as was the staging of the whole piece. The costumes and props were great too and helped layer the piece. Well done to the costume and properties team for your efforts, which haven’t gone unnoticed. Vocally, this was a stellar performance in storytelling, diction, articulation and projection. I also loved the way in which the live violin was used to aide scene changes and having the stage crew dressed as train staff was a stroke of genius and kept the audience engaged in the story throughout! Pulling all of this together and creating this lovely piece of theatre, especially during these uncertain times, is no mean feat and director Carole Shinkfield, assisted by David Varley, has done wonders with this!

As I mentioned above, the lighting was brilliantly used to add layers to scenes and establish location. My teenage son who was with me as my guest, commented a lot on the lighting and he loved the way in which it was used to aide scene changes and give the effect of a moving train. Well done to Simon Johnson for your hard work.

The music & sound, (Daniel Axworthy/Andrew Walker), was great also. Whilst the actors weren’t mic’d, all of the sound cues helped layer the scenes and establish location and tone. The added violinist was a great touch and really helped in pulling the whole thing together.

The female protagonist, Iris Carr was played by Pollie Shorthouse. I have to say that Pollie’s diction and articulation were exemplary, as was her projection. I would’ve loved a little more likeability from the characterisation, but she held the whole piece together and was well cast in this role.

The disappearing Miss Froy was played by Andrea Jones. Andrea looked like she was having the time of her life on stage which made us like her even more. I really liked the way in which she used a subtle gesture or a look to convey subtext. I look forward to seeing Andrea in future roles.

Max Hare, was brilliantly played by Iain Bennett. Ian had great storytelling, projection and a wonderful natural acting ability. I loved the way in which his performance look effortless, which made the audience sit back and know they were in safe hands.

The ‘Todhunters’ wee played by Ian Lancaster and Carrie Bennett. I really enjoyed the light-hearted comedic side they brought to the piece. Their heightened acting and accents towards the end were especially funny!

I also adored the brilliant ‘Flood-Porters’ who brought much light relief to the drama. Their voices seemed to get higher and higher with each scene! A fine example that no part is too small. Well done to Sue Elliott and Donna Burden!

Mr and Mrs Barnes were played by Simon Hetherington and Carol Crookes. I really enjoyed the bumbling idiot interpretation from Hetherington’s Reverend. Carol Crookes brought a brilliant energy to every singe scene she was in. I loved her gestures, and her facial expressions were excellent!

Derina Watson’s ‘Baroness’ was a little too laid back for me, however, she did bring a nice subtly to the role. I really enjoyed the bond villain-esq performance from the Baroness’s sidekick (The Doctor), played by David Varley. David was suitably theatrical in this role.

The Prof(essor) was played by David Leslie. David’s diction and articulation were excellent, as was his storytelling. Other roles were played by Lindsey McBratney and Cherylin Sparkes. Both were great additions to the cast and helped layer the scenes.

Despite the odd memory lapse with lines, this production was a joy to watch. I have to say that the storytelling from the entire cast was stellar, as was the vocality of all of the actors. I loved the staging of this play, and all of the production values heightened the standard of the entire play. If this is the standard that Frodsham Players deliver each time, then I cannot wait to return to see their next performance of The Rivals in April 2022.

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