When We Are Married

First performed in 1938, J.B. Priestley’s classic comedy has certainly stood the test of time and remains a worthy addition to any theatre programme of events. Set about 110 years ago one September evening at the home of Alderman Helliwell, a joint 25th wedding anniversary celebration is to take place for three couples, all friends, who all married on the same day at the same chapel. When they discover that they are not legally married, each couple initially reacts with proper Edwardian horror. But soon all three couples find themselves re-evaluating their marriages.

Much of the action revolved around the three couples; Alderman Joseph Helliwell & Maria Helliwell (Robert Kendall & Penelope Hart-Woods), Councillor Albert Parker & Annie Parker (Ben Hopkins & Paula Vickers) and Herbert Soppitt and Clara Soppitt (David Newall & Jane Ellison-Bates). All were played with great confidence and as each realised that they were not actually legally married, cracks opened in their relationships with realistic conviction. Whilst Annie Parker and Herbert Soppitt had previously been the underdog in their respective relationships, the news of their changed circumstances gave them a new found strength of character and was well played with amusing results.

The devastating news was broken to the gentlemen by the local organist Gerald Forbes, played with stature by Richard Sutcliffe announcing the dramatic news with a measured delivery. He was to have been dismissed until a sudden change of heart by Alderman Helliwell, hoping the news could be kept confidential. Consequently his secret relationship with the Alderman’s niece Nancy Holmes also well played by Sarah Vetch, blossomed.

However all was overheard by Mrs Northrop the lazy house keeper, played with great comic style by Briony Gerety, hoping to use the situation to her own advantage. Along with Mrs Northrop, Ruby Birtle (Ellie Wilson) the willing house-maid, popped in and out of the sitting-room giving the character a great personality, endearingly dippy.

When perhaps it could not get worse for the fated couples, the reporter Fred Dyson (David Whatley-Holmes) and photographer Henry Ormonroyd  (Mark Bamforth) from the Yorkshire Argus arrive to record the happy event.  David gave an accomplished performance and Mark gave a very convincing performance as the alcohol soaked photographer. Further good support was provided by Andrew Armstrong as the Rev. Clement Mercer and by Katie Milner, who as the local barmaid Lotty Grady, (an old flame of Alderman Helliwell), calls by with some embarrassment to those gathered. Questions are asked, but of course eventually it all ends on a happy note.

A first for me – when the curtains opened, the set got a round of applause – and quite rightly so. It was a stunning reproduction of an Edwardian parlour, beautifully dressed with authentic props. Many congratulations to everybody involved in designing, building and dressing the set – David Pye, Mary Wilkinson, Sarah Hill, Ian Moulding, Richard Merson, Neil Todd & the Men’s Shed. The authenticity of the piece was enhanced by beautiful costumes and hairstyles, credit to Christine Dawson, Mary Wilkinson & the cast. Both sound and lighting added atmosphere (Lewis Horton). All of this was under the expert guidance of the Stage Manager, David Pye, and his assistant, Josh Richards.

It's always a challenge to both direct and perform in a production, so Mark Bamforth should be congratulated on managing to do both admirably. This was a first class production and entertaining evening. Thank you so much for the hospitality and we look forward to your exciting programme for 2023.

 

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