The Shadow Factory

Shadow factories were the outcome of The Shadow Scheme devised by the British government in 1935 in the build up to WW2” to meet the need for more aircraft. In this play, by Howard Brenton,a community tries to fight the Ministry who want to requisition garages, shops and laundries in order to build Spitfire parts within the buildings  Set in 1940, the action takes place in Southampton and the main characters include a local laundry owner and the owner of a large manor house. The cast numbered around 25.

As always, the front of house, box office and programme sellers were very welcoming.

The seating was arranged for the performance to be in the round and there was very nearly a full house. The transverse stage worked well and the atmosphere was very good. Gwen Stevens, the director, had obviously spent a good deal of time and effort in making it work three dimensionally and it showed. She should be congratulated. With the exception of two units at the back of the performance area (which were rotated), any scenery properties were brought on and off by the players. This was done seamlessly. Entrances and exits were smooth and the whole performance was polished. It was impressive and the whole show was very absorbing.

The programme was informative and well presented with a synopsis, an introduction to the playwright, director’s notes, cast and backstage information and even photographs depicting factories in Southampton, where the play is set. Unfortunately, there was no mention of NODA in the programme.

There were some good song and dance numbers with the cast and ensemble being enthusiastically mobile. These were performed to a taped backing which did not detract from the enjoyment. Particulary entertaining, memorable and well-choreographed were the plotters and their ‘Keep Your Eyes on the Map’.

Costumes and make-up were authentically of the period, overlooking the fact that nylons were not available at this stage of the war!

The lighting was effective and the close proximity of the actors to the audience made it very easy to follow the dialogue.

It would be difficult to single out any one performance as everyone fed off each other and the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. However, George Webster (Alfred ‘Fred’ Dimmock) played the laundry owner very true to his rather ‘crusty’ character. He played the part of the patriarch.very convincingly. Amanda Robertson (Mary Dimmock) played his mother with great comic timing. It was good to see how her confidence has grown. Carole Crow (Lady Cooper) also played her part as the lady of the manor without too much pretension, very well.

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