The Old People are Revolting

I was intrigued by the title of this play and wondered how it would play out, it was obviously going to be a comedy and I also wondered how relevant a play written by a New Zealander would be in an English rural town. I was to see that this story could be played out anywhere around the world.

The curtains opened to reveal an exceptionally well-built box set, very sturdy with easily opening door upstage right, opening French windows off centre rear and a window upstage left. A simply dressed set with chairs, side table with telephone and another a television that was pulled centre stage for one scene, all very appropriate to a retirement home lounge. Costumes were appropriate for the characters being portrayed and then in the opening scene of Act 2 we had some exceptionally well made and period style costumes, very colourful and well fitted.

There were some interesting and entertaining performances, some making the most of their role. Tina Camfield as Elizabeth gave us a good little role trundling on with her walking aid, asking what time it was, she came into her own as the Queen which gave her more dialogue and she looked quite stately. It took me a little while to realise that the Welsh accent of Peggy played by Fiona Hearn was real, a lovely spoken role, busily knitting and sewing away, this was a quietly well performed role. Shirley was strongly portrayed by Liz Leslie although her dialogue was a little wobbly at times, if good and clearly spoken, came across as an energetic performer and enjoying shouting ‘Free Tibet’. David Turner came across well as retired farmer Doug with his distinctive look, perhaps being the fall guy for the storyline. Janette Groombridge had the task of reporting the antics of the residents of the Sunshine Retirement Village as reporter Ashley, this was an interesting role well played and bringing technology to the stage. The two leading characters were Rose Gibson as Patricia and Chris Savage as Howie, these two were an entertaining double act, playing off each other well with a lot of comic lines, well delivered and really driving the play along.

A lot of the opening scenes were very brief, being the following morning, the blackouts worked generally well but the closing of the Tabs slowed the rhythm of the play, there were a couple of rather long pauses, having said that, there did not seem to be much unrest from the audience. Sound and lighting were generally good although there was a couple of occasions where cast talked across each giving the implication that lines were missed or forgotten although there was no issue with volume and projection. The play made good use of props, especially the use of pre-recorded dialogue used for the Camera and television set, the lighting and sound effects for the blown-up tree was effective, as it was for the Police siren. The only comment with lighting was that the window was well lit off stage but there should have been some lighting off-stage for the up-stage door It was an interesting storyline and had a resonance for the audience by including the ad-lib at the end.

I imagine that the cast and director had fun rehearsing this play and made the most of the humour in the script so well done to all.

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