The Late Mrs Early

This society used a school hall for this production where half the hall was the stage and the other half was for seating. There was no stage as such but great use had been made of the playing area which was one set as the front room of the Early’s house with sofa, chair, dining table and chairs, sideboard and fireplace. The two entrances and exits were used well as the front door and kitchen door. No changes of set were required and good use was made of the props. The direction was very good with great use of the area, lighting, make up and props. The only difficulty with this piece was time setting as the costumes were pretty modern but the dialogue and attitudes were very 1950’s. Putting that aside though the play was very funny and the acting very natural and well conveyed.

 

Terry Early was very nicely played by Ben Kilburn as the son. His diction and delivery were clear and well projected and his angst being torn between his family and his fiancé was tangible. He played well opposite Helena Carter who played Susan Rickworth his fiancé. Helena delivered her lines very naturally and both Ben and Helena had really good chemistry together making me believe they were in a relationship

 

Mabel Sutton was my favourite character and Jenny Peters was absolutely fantastic in the role. Every street especially up North has a Mabel and Jenny’s dry delivery and timing was perfect in this role. She never missed a beat and played the part perfectly.

 

Ian Duckworth was fabulous as Sam Early the downtrodden husband who finds a new lease of life with his wife’s demise. Great characterisation and delivery particularly in the drunk scene as these are always difficult to look real but Ian did a great job.

 

Catherine Henderson was super as his wife Alice both in life and death. I was scared and angry with her all in one go for being such a nasty piece of work- always a good sign that an actor is fully immersed in the character when audience feel strongly about a character. Her projection was great and the make up as a ghost looked very effective.

 

Joe Gettings was played brilliantly by Tim Shorten as Sam Early’s best friend and confident. Again a very northern character but pieced together extremely well by Tim. The scene with the serving of tea and the lemon was comedy at its best as the timing and delivery was perfect.

 

Robert Peters and Carmella Horne completed the cast playing Susan’s parents. They both worked hard and delivered good performances as the slightly more affluent couple.

 

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the whole show as it was well directed and delivered by a talented cast. Thank you for making  me very welcome on my visit.

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