The Wedding Party

What a clever idea by Tom Nash to write the play for the company, and to involve the audience into the proceedings: there are so many tales out there of ‘weddings’ and ‘families’ that there were many opportunities for the different twists in the story and the varied characters; and a chance for the mixed cast to exploit all opportunities.

I just loved the whole set-up of playing in the auditorium with ‘church’ staging for the proceedings, how clever to design stained glass on the windows behind the altar, and those magnificent floral arrangements. And to be asked ‘bride or groom’ as we entered the auditorium! And then the transformation after the interval into the reception tables, plus the added bonus of a toast with the bubbly, whilst the mayhem unfolded.

The arrival in the church of the various family members, and the audience eavesdropping on the situations, conversations, and relationships really gave a good story, and the casting was excellent and the inter-relationships really worked. Meryl Anderson as Mother of Bride looked spectacular and very ‘upper-class’ rich, but unhappy about wedding, balanced well by snobbish banker Father of Bride David Dowson (very smart in morning dress), nothing too good for his daughter even though the financial world falling around his ears (and his worry and disguising the situation).

On the other side, the warmth and friendliness and love from the groom’s family came over well: a caring Mother of Groom Sally Elvin (even if in wine by end) obviously thrilled at prospect of grandchild, Father of Groom, Peter Harrold, very, very proud of son with new degree from university and job and home, and with some idea of problems in the other camp, offers to help, these relationships worked.

Two wonderful roles for the ‘next layer’ in the family: excellent portrayal of elderly Uncle Arthur in wheelchair by Rory Lester, a gift of a character with his observations on life (and the later revelation of former achievements meant he was not a total write-off) and his ’sister carer’ Maiden Aunt from Heather Carpenter worrying about Arthur and indeed all the family, and the knitting in readiness!

The Bride and Groom, Ellie Hupton and Jordan Webb, and Best Man, Jon Halfacre, and Bridesmaids, Marjorie Womack and Kimberley Stevens, all very likeable, looked good, but really not the focal point of the play even though the rationale for the action and the centre of attention in the real event. And of course, Vicar, Ushers and Wedding Guests all contributed to the overall story.

This was a wakening for all, if needed, of the complexities of families and relationships, especially when expectations are raised in the social circumstances of the wedding; what a huge amount of research put into the ‘wedding planning par excellence’, must have been both a nightmare and great fun during rehearsals, and we all enjoyed the final result!

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