Wait until Dark

To produce for the first time is a scary task. So well done to Steven for giving us a polished production with believable characters. Set was well designed with the props adding to the action. It’s amazing the drama you can get from a freezer. Lighting and music background added to the suspense.

From the beginning the sense of menace was introduced by Mike (Jack O’Connor) and Crocker (James Suman Lang). It can be difficult to capture certain character traits but you nailed it lads, totally believable as ex-cons down on their luck. Into the set up comes Roat (James Robb) villainous with a capital V. Sinister and dark and well-acted especially the nail biting final scene.

Where are the nice people I hear you cry?  This play and direction gives these characters a twist. Nice on the outside maybe not all what they seem! The married couple of Sam and Susy Henderson and their 12 year old neighbour Gloria all have issues. Sam a loving husband played with a secretive side by Callum Baker. His blind wife Susy expertly portrayed by River Streets, with the courage and intelligence to come through at the end. Gloria a troubled child who becomes the hero of the play and saves the day acted with class by Khye Potter. All of the characters in this performance were well schooled and disciplined showing the audience a mature understanding of characterisation.

The extras Steven Dunbar and John Mooney despite their brief time on stage did well in the subdued lighting.

As you can tell I was impressed by this production and am delighted that Abbey Theatre is continuing to move upwards allowing youth to come forward in all areas of Amateur Theatre. Thank you for a lovely evening and hospitality.

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