The Welkin

Harlequin Players Club were back on stage with their production of ‘The Welkin’. Directed by Yvette Owen, this is a new play written by Lucy Kirkwood, which premiered at the National Theatre in 2020. Yvette had gathered together a strong cast, including the ensemble of 12 women as the jurors. Each of these characters was clearly defined and different to one another. A challenge with having a big cast, with the majority of them being on stage at the same time, is actors masking each other. There were a few instances when this happened, but on the whole Yvette had thought about this in her direction. The opening and closing images created by lighting the cast from behind through the gauze were particularly effective, drawing parallels with the role of women throughout history. The gauze was used effectively when the jurors were introduced, with the silhouette of Justice. The introduction of the jurors was very well done. Each actor had clearly defined characters, which were all different to each other. The pace throughout was good. There were a few moments where lines were lost, but the cast recovered well. The costuming of the characters was very good. The red dress of Sally Poppy stood out against the muted colours of the other women. What was obvious was how strong the bond was between the cast, especially with the female cast members.

Sound (Andy Walker) and lighting (Greg Herriott) was good throughout. There were subtle lighting and sound changes throughout, with an increase in lighting when the candle and fire were lit, and the sound of the mob outside increasing as the window was open. These details further enhanced the production.

Emily Duffy was captivating as Elizabeth Luke. Your eyes were drawn to her throughout, even in moments of stillness and quiet. The accent was good and was sustained throughout. Emily had a great stage presence and worked well with the rest of the cast.

Miranda Chance did well playing the complexities of Sally Poppy. This is a difficult role to play and Miranda’s interpretation was well conceived. Along with the hysteria, Miranda ably played the quieter moments of the character, especially in the final moments.

Jo Ridgley had a great stage presence as the presumed outsider Charlotte Cary. Jo’s vocal clarity was excellent – every word could be heard. She brought a great poise and dignity to the role.

Tina Wyatt was suitably funny as the busybody Emma Jenkins. Her expressions throughout were funny, and she was able to deliver some pathos during the final moments of the play.

Vanessa Duffy was good as Ann Lavendar. Great articulation and diction helped bring this character to life.

Claire Bentley impressed as Sarah Hollis. With being silent for the entire first act, Claire was able to express different reactions through her physicality. Her monologue in the second act was well executed.

Maggie Innes was well cast as the matriarch of the group, Sarah Smith. She brought a gravitas to the role. There was some hesitancy with cues of lines, but this did not detract from Maggie’s performance.

Jess Farrington did well as the pregnant Peg Carter. Although not a lot to do, she was engaged throughout with the action on stage.

Rachel Perrin played Mary Middleton very sensitively. Rachel created a well-defined role. The moment that the rest of the cast were singing in solidarity with Rachel’s character was moving.

Ali Wheeler as the menopausal Judith Brewer was good. The constant fanning and dabbing her neck and head added to the character. Ali’s vocal clarity was very good throughout.

Gwen Leadbetter did well as Kitty Givens. The Scottish accent was believable and sustained throughout.

Nicola Holland was good as the conflicted Helen Ludlow. The character that Nicola had created was believable, and she had a good vocal clarity.

Claire Penney created a good double act with Gwen. Claire was engaged throughout with what was happening on stage.

Dave Rogerson was a constant presence throughout. He was a silent, yet imposing figure for most of the play, and we were always reminded that he was there. Dave used is voice well throughout.

Adam Wade used his physicality well in his roles as both Fred Poppy and Justice. The power of his voice was very good, especially as Justice.

John Booth was good in the cameo role as Dr Willis. He had good articulation and diction, and provided some good humour.

Olivia Deakin did well as Katy Luke, the daughter of Elizabeth Luke. Although a small part, Olivia made a good attempt at the accent and delivered her lines well.

Overall, this was a really good production, with a strong cast, great storytelling, and some interesting staging.

Thank you to Harlequin Players Club for their kind invite. All the best for your upcoming season.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.