When We Are Married

~~At Alderman Helliwell’s Yorkshire home, in September 1908, three married couples, now of some standing are celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary. Young, lah-di-dah Southern organist Gerald, delightfully played by Jolyon Harris has to go – unseemly behaviour with women! He has, however, discovered that perhaps the three couples are not actually married!  Oh what scandal.  Priestley’s comedy stands the test of time, is full of rich characters with a wonderfully funny script.  A first class set designed and constructed by Brian Saunders took us into a perfectly dressed Edwardian sitting room.  Great detail in furniture, drapes, even down to wallpapered walls and numerous household props.  The elegant period costumes were finished with neat hair styling.  The technical side, under John Bush’s expertise produced interesting effects, good sound and lighting.  Susan’s key to success is undoubtedly her high standard of attention to detail.  Again, she created just the right atmosphere and her talented cast understood their characters.  Good natural movement, use of facial expression, fast delivery with a  well maintained Yorkshire dialect under the tuition of Kate Welch who also played eaves dropping, fond of a drink housekeeper Mrs Northrop. The three couples, The Helliwells were Christopher Chown and Alison Mackenzie, The Parkers - Noel Kent and Mary Alderson with the Soppitts Stephen Moir and Jo Walker. Very nice cameos, the nimble Ruby Birtle of Rotherham from Nicola Dealtry, tiddly photographer amusingly played by John Hastings with a nice scene pairing up with lovely Lottie Grady (Melanie Todd), Nancy Holmes, sweet on Gerald (Sarah Brown), Fred the newspaper man (David Caney). Finally, The Rev (Rob Gaisford) puts all to rights and the finale chorus was sung with gusto.  A polished piece, with a delicious Wedding Breakfast served during the interval.

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