Trivial Pursuits

One of the things I enjoy about my role with NODA is witnessing the imagination and creativity of different societies, and this was no exception.

Trivial Pursuits is a play by Frank Vickery, set over the course of one evening at the summer barbecue of the local amateur theatre group.  The director, Nick is about to make the impending announcement of the new musical, however, he has promised the leading part to four different people – cue the drama!  This had the theme, which I’m sure we are all familiar with, the politics of an Amateur Society!

The characters were a varied bunch, from the very confident and outgoing Teddy, played by Brett Dewsbury to the more timid Jessica played by Rebecca Wayte, with everything in between. Brett showed his comedic talents displaying timing throughout. Joyce, played by Lauren Barry, was the lush of the group and became more believable as the evening went on, she had a good rapport with Brett. Mona, played by Louise Hewitt, stayed in character throughout displaying a snide side to her character. Michelle Beere played the role of Pearl, and seemed to be the most normal of them all, with her concern over the lack of funds. Roz, the wife of Nick, was played by April Neuchterlien. Nick the director, was played by Alex Woolliscroft and did well to hold the story together, remembering who he had said what to whom!  Derek the ‘boring geek’ was played by Brian Washington who knows how to tell a story, although he did not speak for quite a while, it was obvious from his mannerisms how he was going to unravel. Linda Askew, Derek’s love interest made an impact when she appeared along with Eddie, David Beere. Both stayed in character throughout and were very watchable. All cast certainly knew how their character would behave in the given circumstances. The chemistry between the players was very evident from the word go.

Longford Social Club was an appropriate setting for the play, with the relaxed feeling given by sitting at tables. It was imaginative to use a split level, using the stage as the house and the floor area as the patio. The space was well used and Em Askey had obviously been confident with her direction. It was well lit, and on the whole, diction and projection was very good.

This was my first time of watching Cannock Chase Drama perform a play and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I must applaud everyone involved with the production, from front of house for their warm welcome, to everyone onstage and those involved behind the scenes, it really was a production. Congratulations!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.