The Taxidermist's Daughter

Next up at Harlequin Players Club was ‘The Taxidermist’s Daughter’, directed by Yvette Owen. This is a challenging play with different locations (both outside and inside), flashbacks, and a harrowing story, but Yvette faced these challenges head on. The Gifford house was situated stage left, with a work counter full of taxidermy paraphernalia. Behind this was a gauze, where video sequences were projected. Behind the gauze was a raised platform – a house where Cassie would hide, planning the downfall of The Crows. The space stage right was used for a range of locations, from the Woolston home to the asylum. The reeds downstage helped denote the marshes where Vera’s body was found. They did obstruct some of the moments in Act Two, particularly when Crowley was found in the museum. The direction throughout was secure, especially in the crowd scenes where a lot of people were on stage. The reveal of Vera’s body was cleverly done; it was as if she materialised out of thin air! The storytelling was generally good from the cast, and the pace was good. The costumes were good for this production, helping to transport the audience to the period of the production. The difference in costume of the different social classes was well observed.

Technical aspects were a strong element of this production. The film gave the production an almost cinematic feel, and this added an extra dimension to this production. It allowed the audience to witness the event that happened to Connie and Cassie in their childhood. The other filmed sequences were strong as well. Well done to James Clifford for his work. The soundscape created helped to transport the audience to the different locations. The lighting design was good throughout.

Megan Billing put in a great performance as Connie Gifford. Megan was able to convey a range of emotions through her facial reactions as she started to remember events from her past, which were cleverly shown to the audience through the film sequences. There was a quiet strength to the character, which Megan was able to display as she pursued the truth.

Miranda Chance played Cassie Pine. Miranda was able to show this mysterious character at the outset of the play, slowly revealing her truth and intentions as the play progressed. Miranda was able to show the traumatic past of Cassie convincingly and with truth.

John Booth played Crowley Gifford. John did well to convey this character, as he battled his alcoholism and his past. He showed a protective and caring side to Connie.

Amber Larose was very good as Mary Christie. This was a convincing performance as the Gifford’s maid, who becomes involved with the past. Amber was also able to display pleasing vocals in the songs that were part of the production.

Tina Wyatt put in a convincing performance as Jennie Christie, Mary’s mother. She provided a motherly figure to Connie, wanting to protect her from the past. Considering Tina was a latecomer to rehearsals, she gave a secure performance.

Dan Aynsley played Harry Woolston. This was an assured performance from Dan, adding some lighter moments to the dark story. The budding romance between Harry and Connie was played well by Dan.

Gabe Brammer played Sergeant Pennicott. Gabe gave a relaxed performance as the sergeant. It would have been nice to have seen a more authoritative figure, both vocally and physically.

Scott Watson played Davey. This was a sincere performance from Scott, proving to be a true friend to Connie.

Adam Wade played both Lewis and Joseph. There was humour in Adam’s performance as Lewis in his interactions with Dan. As Joseph, Adam was a good accomplice to Miranda, helping her take her revenge.

Adrian Grace played Dr Jack Woolston. This was a convincing performance from Adrian, as he battled with his conscience. You could feel his reluctance to associate with The Crows.

Gabriel De Potenza (Mr Crowther), Trevor Stubbs (Mr White) and Ian Lancaster (Mr Brook) created a chilling trio, using their voice and physicality to great effect. Gabriel was suitably sinister and manipulative as the leader of The Crows.

Jo Ridgley (The Clerk), Kindah Sanderson (Mrs Nutbeam) and Scarlett Robinson (Vera Baker and Flower Seller) did well in their small roles, helping to move the story along and creating an atmosphere in their scenes.

Ella Bolton (Young Cassie) and Cara Sconce (Young Connie) must be commended for their performances in the filmed sequences. They both performed with maturity beyond their years in the harrowing scenes.

Overall, this was a good production. The technical elements were top-notch, the direction was good, and there were some good performances.

A big thank you to everyone at Harlequin Players Club for their kind invite.

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