Two Wits To Woo / Lockdown in Northwich

Fresh from the Summer break, I was delighted to return to the brilliant Harlequin Theatre this week to see their September 2022 double bill Two Wits To Woo and Lockdown in Northwich.

Two Wits To Woo, written by John Kelly, tales the tale of Lady Winsome and her quest to fire long-standing servants in order to save Winsome Manor. Set in 1934, this play is a good showcase for the three actors who play all three roles. Directed by George Williams, this play, albeit quite short, was a good opener to the double bill. Whilst the set and props were a little scarce, they helped establish time and location. I didn’t quite understand the use of the speaker on the wall when the telephone was used throughout too. I also felt that the lighting was a little dark and underwhelming, leaving some parts of the stage in too much darkness, although I liked the colour tones of the lighting.

Overall, the pace and the storytelling were really strong and for the most part, I liked the characterisations of the cast. I felt that the actor playing James the Chauffeur was a little too over-the-top and dramatic which wasn’t in-keeping with the style etc.

Sue Elliot portrayed the part of Lady Winsome and was very well cast in this role. Sue’s storytelling and characterisation was great, as is her listening skills and reactions to others. Sue also had great diction, projection and articulation and had a lovely sense of timing.

Brian Ormrod was brilliant as the hapless Joe the Gardener. I loved Brian’s interpretation of this character, and he was a joy to watch. Great use of accent and physicality too – a great performance!

James the Chauffeur was played by Mike Rizkallah. For me, Mike tries to hard to be funny, rather than playing truth. I personally would’ve preferred a more subtle performance. I cannot fault Mike’s commitment to his role, however. His storytelling and energy is excellent, and he was well cast in this role.

Overall, this was an enjoyable play and a great showcase for the three actors. It was directed well and as I mentioned before, was a good opener for tonight’s double bill.

In Act two, we were treated to David Tristram’s Lockdown in Northwich play. This play is part of the Little Grimley series which I always find light-hearted and enjoyable to watch. Directed by Malcolm Barker, this play was pacy, energetic and funny to watch. I really enjoyed the characters and the overall feel, which the audience could instantly related to, due to the many references to lockdown.

The set was basic but apt and the costumes helped establish character. There was a general whitewash throughout, again, in-keeping with the piece. The only bit if direction I question was the entrance of Bernard at the end of the play who entered from stage left as if he was coming out of the toilets. Whilst I understand the reference to the toilet rolls, it just seemed a little strange when the main entrance to the community centre was from stage right, (I’m being overly picky here).

Dave Rogerson as Bernard was suitably funny throughout and had great comic timing with his one-liners. I liked his dry wit and distain for Margaret. Dave was very well cast in this role and was entertaining throughout.

Margaret was brilliantly played by Tina Wyatt. Tina had great storytelling and a very natural characterisation which made Margaret a well-rounded character. I loved the dramatic elements that Tina brought to this role, and this was a brilliantly funny performance from a fantastic actress.

Stuart McNeil played the role of Director, Gordon. Whilst I felt that Stuart wasn’t quite 100% on it with his lines, his portrayal as Gordon was suitable and entertaining. I personally would’ve preferred a slightly more heightened and frustrated Gordon, trying to hold everything together. I really liked some of the physical aspects that Stuart brought, such as the hand gestures when talking about the surgeon character.

The stand-out performance of the whole evening was Lydia Clare as Joyce.  I couldn’t take my eyes of Lydia and she remained in character throughout – even during the moments that the focus was on the other characters. I adored the commitment to character. Her vocality and physicality that Lydia brought to this role was commendable and she was brilliantly funny throughout – a fantastic performance!

What I loved about this play was that I really cared about all four characters, and I was really invested in their journey’s. This is testament to the actors and director Malcolm Barker.

This was a thoroughly entertaining evening at the theatre. Harlequin Players Club continue to produce entertaining and artistic theatre experiences and I cannot wait to return to see their next production of The Unreturning in November 2022.

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