Tonight at Seven Fifteen

Tonight at Seven Fifteen

(Red Peppers by Noel Coward and Quartet by Ronald Harwood).

Director – Red Peppers: Jane Busby

Director – Quartet: Jane Edwards

Thank you for your invitation to see your production. An interesting idea to place these two pieces of drama together as a ‘Double Bill of Music and Comedy’ Both very different in their time settings but both involving a view into the lives and characters of seasoned performers, whether they be old vaudevillians or faded operatic stars, which gave a good link between the two pieces.

I note there were no front of house announcements given in the auditorium before curtain up - an oversight maybe? But unusual for today’s theatre experiences, when mobile phones are (and were in this instance) often left on without an initial polite reminder. Also, not everyone has a copy of the programme to inform them of the interval arrangements. (I only mention this because there was some noticeable confusion among the audience as to where and when breaks were).

 

Red Peppers

A fun opening with George and Lily Pepper going through their tired old routine, full of plenty of worn out humour in front of the tabs, which set just the right impression for your audience for this entertaining short sketch. Then with the tabs opening onto, or should I say into, the equally tired and worn out theatre dressing room. The scene change worked very well in giving us the onstage / backstage contrast. The set for this was visually very pleasing with all the backstage detritus scattered about that you would expect to see. I liked the attention to detail with the mirrors, clothes rail, wash stand, playbills pasted to the wall, the door sign and the lovely hamper which later doubled up as the makeshift dining table – complete with chips and beer – perfect.

All characters were portrayed well and the changes of temperament between George and Lily were very well demonstrated. Lily particularly was a very commendable performance. It was great to watch her managing to change costume and keep mood changes going with skill. Mabel Grace was also wonderfully funny, well thought out and what a lovely sweeping entrance into the Peppers dressing room!

I did notice that in amongst all the lovely set and detail that there was Velcro on George and Lily’s spats – not of the period and very noisy when they were put on – perhaps the correct button fastenings placed discretely on elastic and pulled on would have been less noticeable? Also the musical backing for the routines was sadly distinctly electronic. Live music is always preferable but if it is not possible then a recording of music that is suitable for the time period would be more believeable. It didn’t feel right in the piece when everything else was so authentic. These may seem like small things perhaps, but very obvious when all the rest has been so well crafted and presented.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable opener for the evening’s entertainment.

 

Quartet

I was really looking forward to this production and settled down to watch with eager anticipation. I was not disappointed at all.

A well-constructed set took us straight into the retirement home music room, complete with piano and appropriate wall décor, placed at slightly wonky random – just as Cissy would have arranged it. I would have liked to have seen a large carpet, or rug to help disguise the stage blackness though. Perhaps some extra additions with wall light switches and some practical side lamps would have really lifted the overall effect. Further detail from a few footstools, a stand with walking aids in by the patio doors and lap blankets would also have drawn detail into the fact that we were looking into a home for the elderly. Even though the residents were obviously rallying against the inevitable approach of old age, the inclusion of items such as these would have given a subtle visual demonstration of the fact that despite their denials, they needed them at hand.

I was treated to a tour de force of performance from four of your experienced actors who were all on good form. I have to make a particular mention to the very thoughtful and beautifully crafted portrayal of Cecily Robson (Cissy). A joy to watch from start to finish with such understated attention to a complete character piece. Thank you. All characters were very believeable both physically and verbally and worked extremely well together helping the story unfold, delivering pathos and humour with equal skill. Well done.

On a final note, it was a little disconcerting to hear the few prompts that were delivered throughout the evening for both pieces were given so very audibly to the auditorium. Perhaps it would have been preferable to use the wing space?

Thank you for your hospitality and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. My best wishes to the Red Peppers team for the forthcoming entry into the County Drama Festival.

Jane Burt.

NODA Representative.

District 8a.

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