Two One Act Plays

Two Point OH and Pop Goes the Patient

Date: 9th October 2021

Society: Carnon Downs Drama Group

Venue: Perranwell Centre

Type of Production: Two One Act Plays

Directors: Nick Vale and John Frankland

Report: Sheila Gill

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

This production was the first I have seen since the lockdown began and I must admit that I was very cautious about attending therefore it was reassuring to see you had covid protocol in place with temperature checks and a one-way system in place.

Firstly, can I congratulate you on your Fiftieth plus One productions. It is indeed an achievement to be celebrated not many societies have such a long and distinguished history and what wonderful choice to restage your first production. Here’s to the next fifty years!

It was very interesting to read within the programme how the One Act Play writing competition was administered and judged and heartening to read you had 294 entries to choose from.

 

Two Point OH Written by Jeff Dunne

The stage was simple set laid out as a room with a settee, computer table with laptop and a computer chair the lighting and sound were appropriate and changes controlled well from stage left.

This was certainly a play of modern times, set in the near future using technology now found within many people’s homes.

Hammond sits at his laptop and begins to compose his next best seller only to find his Alexa has other ideas and has taken control of all aspects of his life and refusing to comply to all requests. No words can be added because Alexa does not like his writing style and his rudeness results in a blackout. Nathan, who Alexa dislikes,arrives and the many areas she controls become clear and as she tells him things will become easier when he realises, he is no longer ‘the decision maker’.

The next time we see the two male characters they are in an alleyway with a graffitied wall meeting two dodgy characters with a box to help Hammond take back control. Nathan thinks he is in total control of this meeting but it soon becomes apparent that Charlie and her oppo Katie have the upper hand when they produce their guns. There is a touching conversation between Hammon and Katie when they realise, they know each other. Charlie brings her back into line and the transaction takes place.

The play concludes back in Hammond’s home where he convinces Alexa that he has bought a new ‘blender’ which she allows him to assess his laptop and enable ‘Amelia’. Following Amelia’s upload there ensues a competition between both devices to control Hammond which finishes with silence and both seem to have been switched off. Hammond appears to be able to logon but then the unthinkable happens as both Alexa and Amelia speak together.

Characters

Hammond

A strong characterisation. He spoke clearly and displayed the wide variety of emotions required for the part.

 

Nathan

Suitably belligerent delivery, sometimes a little difficult to hear the text.

 

Alexa

A clear computerised voice which demonstrated emotions. I enjoyed the use of the Alouette tune, to show she wasn’t listening.

 

Charlie

A believable thug. She voiced her part well and used her physicality to intimidate.

 

Katie

A convincing sidekick to Charlie. Her animation and change in stance showed her more friendly side.

 

Amelia

A complimentary, clear, computerised voice to Alexa.

 

I felt privileged being able to watch the playing of this show for the first time. Jeff Dunne has created a cleverly written one-act play, the text flowed well and the story was quite believable. I do not have an Alexa at home and this one act play has not encouraged me to have one!!

 

Pop Goes the Patient by Leonard Barnett

What a brilliant way to celebrate your Fiftieth plus One achievement by having a re-run of one of the original plays. It was interesting to read how John Frankland went about adapting and directing the cast by making full use of the ‘detailed and prolific stage directions’. I do feel sometimes that maybe the more modern productions would benefit with the addition of some of these.

It was good to see that the cast of stalwarts, who often keep the societies running, included some younger members, who are needed to keep societies active.

The floor was set with two lines of chairs with old fashioned radio microphones in front. The sound effects, which were numerous were provided by the technician at stage left and various members of the cast. The cast also provided us with visual clues to certain actions.

The narrator kept a spoken commentary about the play for the audience and informed them about the plot. He also interrupted some players and made critical comments about their ability to produce the correct sound effects. But his main action during this play was his interaction with the audience. Rather like one of the comedy team in a pantomime he encouraged the audience to participate using word cards, often making it a competition between opposing sides.

The other members of the cast moved up to the microphones to speak their words, which were clearly delivered.  They made full use of accents, speech impediments and reluctant gender swaps and provided us with believable characterisations. I thought the two Actor 4 girls worked well together vying to see who needed to speak first.

Some of the players were obviously playing one than one part and I’m not sure if it was accidental or intentional that they slipped up occasionally.

The pop star did get himself into some precarious situations and I enjoyed the way the various nurses assisted him whilst his manager was attempting to promote him by inviting fans along.

I thoroughly enjoyed the play with its range of characters and voices. With its incorrect sound effects and bizarre story, it was certainly a play of its time and I felt I could envisage touches of ‘Carry On’ scenes within it.

I thought the adaption of ‘We’re Still Here’ which included pervious shows was a lovely way to conclude the evening’s celebration.

 

Thank you very much for your invitation to review your two One Act Plays. It was great to be back watching a live production which was made even more unique because it was a special celebration for your company. Long may you continue.

 

 

 

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