Variations

I was delighted to be asked to go along and support Kingsley Players Youth Theatre who have produced and self-directed a new writing, in conjunction with the National Theatre Connections 2022. Written by Katie Hims, ‘Variations’ is a cross between Groundhog day and Sliding Doors. We follow the life of schoolgirl, Alice and see the same scene repeated but with a different turn of events and outcomes each time. This play’s plot had the potential of being really confusing but thanks to the brilliant acting from this teenage cast, we were in the know throughout. Self-directed by the cast themselves, they have used and incorporated many dramatic elements which enhance the piece. Whilst there are moment of GCSE Drama, there are also moments of subtlety and truth. I loved the use of physicality and humour which made us sit back in our seats, knowing we were in good hands. Whilst there isn’t any real need for dramatic lighting or sound effects etc, the lighting and sound that was used was brilliantly cued and executed by Mike Vickers, Kenton Barker, James Stratton and Neil Silcock. The sound particularly was quite important and there were a lot of visual cues from the cast, especially with the radio – every singe cue was executed perfectly!

The set was kept to a bare minimum with the use of milk crates to create sofas and the dining room table, kitchen, fridge etc and it didn’t need anything more due to the brilliant use from the cast. Nothing was confusing or out of place. I also loved the fact that the cast not involved in the action were sat around the outside looking in on the action. The acting and the storytelling was strong from the majority of the cast. One major thing that should be noted before the Connections performance later this month is work on diction and pace. A lot of the lines were rushed and mumbled from some. Take your time and work harder to annunciate – silence can also be used as a tool to communicate too so maybe play around with this a little more?

Kate Burge was well cast as the protagonist Alice. Kate was very watchable, and her storytelling was great. If I was to be a little picky, perhaps just feel (and be) rather than showing us, e.g crying (If you can’t cry, don’t pretend to). I loved Kate’s rapport with the rest of the entire cast. She was the glue that held the show together and she was great throughout.

Max Houghton was very convincing as her angry brother Dan. He was very well cast and had strong stage presence. Loved him!

Alice’s other brother Lucas was played by George Armstrong. George tended to mumble from time to time and looked into the audience a little too much for me, but he looked like he was having the best time on stage and this energy shone through in his performance.

Alice’s two girlfriend’s Cinnamon and Chloe were played by Evie James and Teigan Withey respectively. I liked the way in which Evie used her physicality to show how self-conscious she was, and I loved the added characteristics that Teigan brought to Chloe, such as the spraying of her perfume – hilarious!

James Ferguson was so convincing as the postman that I want him to come and deliver my mail! I loved his styling and the way in which he chewed his gum, wore his sunglasses and was so laid back! Proof that no part is indeed too small! Loved him!

Alice’s two sisters (Jasmine & Pearl) were played by Jess Horn and Erin Hulme. Jess had good projection and line delivery whilst I struggled to hear Erin’s lines throughout due to poor projection and articulation. This is something that can be rectified for the final performance. Both looked great as the sisters.

Ben Mather-Dodd was hilarious as Alice’s BFF Pablo. Ben brought SO many added characteristics that I’m sure isn’t on the page which made him stand out! For example, I loved the way in which he moved his head to enhance the character and the comedy – Brilliant!

The 80’s version of Alice’s Mum Shelly was played by Penny White, who, along with her two sisters Bex (Maddy Brown) and Dinah (Edith Banks), were able to add some context into the play on the circle of life. I liked the energy that each brought to the stage. The styling for each character was a little too obvious but effective, nevertheless.

Finally, Edward Porter brought more brilliant comedy to the stage as Joe (Alice in male form). His scene with Ben Mather-Dodd was brilliant! Edward has a penchant for comedy which was brilliantly showcased here.

Overall, this was a short but very pleasing night at the theatre. This is a good play that is able to showcase great work from the cast. There is still a little work to do for some in terms of diction and projection but only minor things that can be tweaked. I do think that the majority of the cast need to slow down and tell their story with truth from time to time a little more, whilst still keeping the energy of the scenes but I’m being really picky here. As I mentioned before, there are some lovely moments with truth. I also really enjoyed Kate’s final speech which gave the play much more context.

Well done to the Production facilitators Jake Powell and Tom Hayes who have worked brilliantly with this cast and enabled them to create something that is worthy of a paying audience. The hard work and dedication that you show the youth in Kingsley is commendable and I wish you only success.

I thank Kingsley Players Youth Theatre for their wonderful hospitality and wish them all the very best for their final Connections performance in Crewe later this month with the National Theatre!

I am one very proud NODA Rep!

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