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Trap For A Lonely Man

Author: Hazel Hole

Information

Date
2nd September 2022
Society
Dovercourt Theatre Group
Venue
The Dovercourt Studio
Type of Production
Play
Director
Maree Noons

I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Linda Potter and Chrissie Donegan.

The single set represented the living room of an alpine chalet near Chamonix. It was carefully designed to make excellent use of every inch of the very small stage area. Encompassing a most attractive view of a garden through open patio doors, complete with appropriate greenery, a set of stairs leading offstage, a realistic fireplace and appropriate furniture and a creative backdrop by Abi Porter, it transported the audience to the Alps. Well done to everyone who contributed to the set – it was most convincing !

The play, in three acts, is best described as a psychological thriller, fast moving and with an unexpected twist at the end. Without exception, the small cast of six actors, portrayed their characters convincingly and with enormous energy and skill.

Jordan Brown, as The Man, was the husband whose wife had apparently disappeared without trace. He displayed all the emotions of a distraught man with incredible facial contortions and energy and was unwilling and unable to recognise The Woman who purported to be his wife. He appeared convinced that he had been targeted by a gang.

Gemma Holman-Quinn, as The Woman ie so-called missing wife who appeared on the scene, was strong and confident in the role. She used her great powers of persuasion to try to convince The Man that she was indeed his missing wife but failed to do so.

Richard Kemp-Luck, as The Police Inspector, played a straight, rather ponderous character upholding the rule of law and was very well suited to this role.

Chris Holman, as The Priest, was solemn, trying his best to tease a way through the issues and arguments between The Man and The Woman but was he a genuine priest ? He certainly revealed another aggressive side to his character.

Andrew Dace, as The Tramp and sometime artist, was very polite and well spoken for a tramp fallen on hard times. Was he really a genuine tramp or part of the gang which was a figment of The Man's imagination ?

Katherine Johnson, as The Nurse, had a small but very essential role which she played in a somewhat strident, stroppy manner. Blunt and to the point she seemed happy to align with whichever party would be most beneficial to her.

The audience was encouraged to think that the genuine wife had been killed but by whom ? All the characters seemed to have a hidden agenda and seemed shifty and unbelievable at various points. All was revealed at the end in the final twist !

Costumes, lighting ( Greg Potter and Jane Fisher) makeup ( Megan Day) and sound ( Steve Fisher) were all relevant to both the plot and period.

Stage Manager, Margaret Coleman, ensured that the props were changed quickly and efficiently.

This was an absorbing production by this small group of very talented and committed actors and production crew ably directed by Maree Noons who did an amazing job of bringing this all together. The audience really appreciated this production.

I had the opportunity to meet and talk to the Director and actors after the performance and congratulated them on a very successful and enjoyable production

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