Veronica’s Room

An incredibly warm and friendly welcome awaited me at this, my first visit as a NODA rep to the Attfield Theatre in Oswestry.

Once settled into my seat in this cosy theatre space, the stage was set with drapes paced over all the pieces of furniture set in place. This got me wondering what next and I was not to be disappointed as the evening progressed.

The opening scene set the tone for the high standard of acting across the performance, with the arrival of the old man and old woman expertly played by Wayne Young and Debra Watson

Their convincing soft Irish accents and effective use of wigs, make up and posture made them both very believable and only at the end of the performance was i able to ascertain their true age much younger when meeting them in person post show!

As the plot progressed, the drapes were removed from each item of furniture, something I found a a very effective approach to letting the plot unfold.

The girl played by Jenna Bell-Tomkinson and the young man played by Lucas Tyldesley were equally as believable and talented in their delivery.

The young man played his awkwardness very effectively and was set as a good contrast to the more confident and worldly-wise girl. The only thing that irked me was an obvious fake moustache, bit I was later to discover it was supposed to be a fake one as was revealed later so mind put to teat there!

The girl, as well as being a highly talented actor also had a lovely singing voice as we heard in her part rendition of Hello Dolly!

I was completely enthralled by Act 1 and it went from strength to strength in Act 2. A dramatic opening then each performer played their part very well and the tension mounted on the stage as the plot unravelled.

You could sense the sheer desperation and fear from the girl, as she acted out scene after scene, fear and tension mounting and being demonstrated in the very effective acting by everyone on stage.

Acting dead is never easy and was also very convincing from the young man. I liked the fact that sound and lighting were also thanked by a hand gesture during the bows, we must never forget their importance in the world of Amateur Theatre!!

To summarise, an excellent performance by four very talented and hardworking actors, in a lovely small theatre in Oswestry's Guildhall, hosted by a most friendly and welcoming society. The guided tour of the stage and Theatre and the opportunity to meet the actors and Director at the end of the show was a bonus and it was a most entertaining and enjoyable evening. 

Thank you, Attfield Theatre, and everyone involved.

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