The Verdict

The Verdict by Margaret May Hobbs from novel by Barry Reed

Kelvedon Players

Directed by Russ Winsor

For their Autumn production, Kelvedon Players chose The Verdict by Margaret May Hobbs, not an easy piece to produce.  With three scenes, an office, bar and in Act 2 the courtroom, I did wonder just how they would pull this off. 

Hats off to Director Russ Winsor for his sets, as he chose to use Styrofoam for everything and then painted it, wow it really worked.  Light to move by the cast and everything doubling up as another piece, this was sheer genius.  I particularly liked the small bar in the office which turned round to became a lit juke box. The hard work involved in making all this really showed and I think other societies should think about using this material as it really was a super idea.

Originally a novel by American author Barry Reed it gained international recognition when it was made into a Hollywood film with Paul Newman, James Mason, Charlotte Rampling and Milo O’Shea.

It’s a three hour slow burner.  Margaret May Hobbs’s adaption is rather plodding in the first act as it sets everything up but once we reach the courtroom in act two, it becomes riveting. The scene is set in the office of  Frank Galvin (Luke Cannon) playing the down at heel, whisky drinking, hard smoking lawyer.  Determined to seek justice, he decides to take on the gross, clinical negligence case of a young mother who has been left in a vegetative state following an incident during childbirth.  Although down on his luck and desperately needing the money to survive in his practice, he decides not to take the $300,000 offered to drop the case and instead take it to the courts seeking compensation of $5million.  He finds himself up against the medical profession, and the Catholic Church, both seem to have the Judge on their side.

This is a very demanding role to play. Luke as Frank Galvin had all the characterisation needed to make us believe in him but sometimes I really couldn’t hear him or understand what he said.  He needed to slow down a little as when using an accent it is important that the audience can hear clearly. I did think though that he came into his own during the Court scenes and to take on this challenging role shows that with experience he will go from strength to strength, with each new role he takes on.

Mrs McDaid played by experienced actress Heidi Hamber, was the working class victim’s mother, seeking compensation for her daughter. Her despair during the scenes was intensely tangible and made us realise the pain she was going through. As always, this actress delivers and is sure bet for any director to cast.

Another very experienced actor, Andy Perrin, this time took on the role of the Irish Bishop Brophy. It is a delight to see him returning to the stage.  He kept his accent and projection even when sitting and was totally believable.  He obviously relished the role but I have to question his costume which was missing some detail, in particular a crucifix. The hat worn was actually a red zucchetto which is intended for a cardinal

Defence Lawyer, J Edgar Concannon (Andy Millward) had another huge role to perform and did so admirably. Clear and concise he commanded the stage striding around like a caged lion. Looking out to the audience as if we were the jury I felt he was almost talking just to me.  This was a super performance by Andy and credit to him for getting the tone just right for this character.

Drs Crowley and Towler played by John Holmes and David Landman were the defence witnesses.  John as usual is a dream to watch on stage and I do wish he had been given a larger role as he is too good to waste on such a small one. I do hope that he is given more in the next production. 

David Landman was clear and concise but he did seem to take a lot of prompts.  A shame as I feel he really did do well with projection and clarity.  Maybe nerves came into play??

Judge Sweeney played by John Elliott was absolutely fantastic.  Wow, what an actor.  Again someone who deserves to take on a lead role. Strong, angry, determined to have his say, when he projected everyone knew it.  The lady next to me jumped in her seat when he lost his temper with Galvin. Well done John, you really were superb.

Moe Katz (Gerald Staines) was the Jewish friend and helper to Frank Galvin. This was a lovely performance by Gerald and he gave us some of the most humorous lines in the play.

Bar Manager Eugenie Meehan played with gusto by Barbara Hardwick was probably the only other comedy role in the show and she obviously enjoyed every moment, making the role her own.  She had a good Irish accent and I did love the moment she was talking on the phone to ‘Michael’ her obvious amour,  the giggles were very funny.

New to Kelvedon Players was Jane Smith playing the role of Dr Thompson.  This lady is a brilliant character actress and took on the role of the elderly, spikey witness with conviction.  Wonderful projection and accent here and showing just how it should be done. Although a small role it was wonderfully executed. Well done Jane,

Donna (Kelly Winsor) first appears at Eugenie’s bar looking for a job as a waitress. Sexy and sassy she involves herself with Frank and finds out all about his trial and the witnesses he has. Later we find out she is a lawyer, sent by Concannon to find out what Luke has in way of information.  Kelly is a good actress and is always clear, projecting well. She absolutely got the character of Donna and it was just a shame that this character did not have more to say and do as again this actress needs more, hopefully she will take on a much larger role in the future.

Mary Rooney (Zoe Carter) was one of the nurses on duty during the operation. She played the part well but again far too many prompts and came out of character to ask the prompt what was next! She really did need to learn her lines for this small role and unfortunately this made an uncomfortable watch whilst she delivered her role,

A joy to see young Ben Garwood as the Clerk in the Courtroom scene. It is so good to see a company that believe in diversity and give youngsters like Ben the chance to shine. Angie Briley as the Bailiff also performed well and had on the  correct costume  which was super. Peggy Frank’s, the strongminded secretary, gave a good cameo role.  Always with a cigarette in her hand and bolshie attitude she did command the stage each time she was on.

Camilla Finch as Natalie Stampanattto, one of the nurses, was the last surprise witness who has kept a copy of the notes used during the operation and can prove that the patient did in fact eat a large meal just one hour before her procedure, not the nine hours that the doctors stated.  A nice cameo here for Camilla with good projection and the characterisation needed to believe in her.  Her determination to show that she was truthful shone through.

Accents throughout were sometimes a bit hit and miss. Being Boston, there are also a few Irish accents as well so this can be a bit daunting to actors once on stage. On the whole though they were well done.

Lighting and sound was good. Costumes sometimes needed a little more thought as it is really important that an actor feels right in what they are wearing for their character.  Also, if I have one wish it is that the group learn to do warm ups before the show starts so they are ready with their projection.  In a warm, full hall actors need to be louder to compensate for this

Director Russ Winsor had obviously worked very hard on this show,  not an easy one to do but hard work and obvious dedication made this in the end a really good choice, even if it was three hours long! The whole cast helped to change each scene which obviously helped, as there were nine in the first half.  I did wonder whether the tabs should have been pulled to muffle the noise but I could see just why he wanted them open as the set was sheer genius. 

This was a hard working cast and crew, I congratulate you all on an enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

 

Christine Davidson

NODA East District 8

 

 

 

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