'The Proposal' & 'The Bear'

The hall was set cabaret style with circular tables looking attractive with clothes and a central bottle on each lit with fairy lights. Very atmospheric. A bar was available, and a simple programme had been prepared by Debbie Ward which I particularly liked, with the artwork designed by artist and player Toby Melville-Brown.   

‘The Proposal’ First performed in 1890, this is a one act comedy which revolves around the comical struggle of Ivan Lomov wishing to propose to the daughter Natalya. his neighbour landowner Stepan Chubukov, who is seated in his chair reading a newspaper when Ivan arrives and eventually after many attempts manages to ask his permission for her daughter’s hand, not that he’s actually in love with her at this moment but feels it is time to find a wife!  A proposal to which Stepan agrees. However, when approaching Natalya  he is constantly being sidetracked by arguments and disputes about the ownership of a parcel of land the Oxen Meadow and who owns the best hunting dog!  The play satirizes the superficiality, and  the importance wealthy families place on land ownership and financial stability in marriage.  The play is full of humorous misunderstandings and arguments, making a light-hearted comedy experience. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov appeared  in formal attire and was played by Toby Melville-Brown, his debut with the Society. Portraying  a very nervous and anxious man, obsessed with wealth and land, who is constantly arguing with Natalya. he achieves this extremely well both physically and verbally.   Richard Moore as the father had some great lines using a catch phrase ‘and all that and so on …. on numerous occasions - most amusing. Daughter Natalya is a quick-tempered outspoken woman, who is also obsessed with wealth and land, and who eventually agrees to marry Ivan. Very well played by Ruth Gibson with fast and furious well-timed script together with amusing physical passion!

The action takes place in the drawing room of the Chubukov house with a simple black backdrop and flats – downstage right a set an angled chaise longue and side table, the resting place for Ivan’s top hat. The far side is a drinks table and further chair.

Between the plays was an entertainment given by Xan Kite singing and playing recorder duetting with Larry Wilson singing and on tabor drum. Together they performed some most enjoyable Russian folk songs, with the audience clapping along.

‘The Bear’ is again set in the drawing room of a country house deep in the Russian countryside towards the end of the 19th century. Using the same set with the small addition of a couple of candlesticks, a photograph of the deceased husband and a couple of chairs which during further arguments get smashed.

Elena Ivanovna Popova is still in her widow’s weeds  grieving for her husband and has not ventured out since his death some while ago. Her trusty aged footman Luka suggests that she does – it would do her good. Grigory Stepanovitch Smirnov, a middle-aged landowner, arrives at the door demanding that she pay outstanding dues, and one long argument begins between these two stubborn, proud characters. The ‘Bear’ is constantly growling, and she will not give in. This comedy farce finale is therefore to be decided by a duel! Somehow the force of love eventually melts the situation. A true satire creating an entertaining look into human foibles and reactions. Well performed by the three characters, with Gareth Ward bellowing superbly as Grigory, Sam McGrath as grieving widow Elena Ivanovna Popova, standing strong and firm initially against Grigory and ending by melting – a fine transition. Luka was beautifully characterised as her aged, bent, truly loyal footman portrayed by Lawrie Tumber and this was his first role too with the Players. Costumes again very much of the era.

Both plays were directed by Janet Stott who brought out the spirit of these two short works and her performers responded.  She was assisted by Elena Gil Rodriguez for stage management and as lighting operator, with Pat Driver a silent Prompt.

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