The Midnight Raiders

I’m so pleased that I was able to come and see your play after all – it was a departure from your usual choice and I really enjoyed it. The background information in the programme was most interesting and informative.

The set of the reception room in an old Inn was dressed appropriately for the era with the high-backed settle and latched door, plus the glimmering wall lanterns and the fire audience-side represented by flickering lights. It created just the right atmosphere of cosiness on such a stormy night.

The cast were commendable.

Diane Stahlmann was excellent as Anna, the landlady of the Inn and was in turn amiable, crafty and aggressive She had an enormous amount of dialogue and her diction was perfect.

In the role of Guy Worthington - who was clearly not quite as straightforward as he first appeared, David Palman sowed that niggling little doubt as to what his real purpose might be in being at the Inn.

Craig Entwhistle made a pleasant, likeable and rather gormless William Higgins whose concern for the ship- wrecked Marian was touching.

The devious Jacob was played most convincingly by Neale. He was a really nasty, rough character who easily controlled the unworldly William.

Mike was also good as the other member of the trio, Thomas, another socially awkward man who was intimidated by Anna. The section toward the end when he and William were saying all the wrong things under questioning was really amusing.

In the role of Marian Langwathby, unfortunate enough to be on the ship wrecked in the storm, Katherine Shore played a young woman of superior social position splendidly. However, it turned out that she was also self -centred and not at all concerned for the welfare of her maid Alice when things became difficult.

Rachel Barnes was suitably deferential as her maid Alice and she delivered her dialogue superbly – her every word could be heard.

Mad Meg was a great role to have, and Sophie Gane was first rate.

Ollie Frost supported well as The Gypsy.

Costumes were clearly researched and eminently suitable for the period, as were the properties.

Sound effects were very good and the timing of the opening/shutting door with the sound of the storm was spot on, also the creaking of the cellar door.

Lighting was good too.

Your programme has an attractive front cover, contains all the relevant information and is easy to read.

It was good to see Sue on the evening and also Steve. His direction was good and he should be very pleased with the results of his and the casts’ hard work.

‘The Midnight Raiders’ provided a most enjoyable evening's entertainment and my thanks as always to Chris for her hospitality on the evening.

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