When We Are Married

This was the first time I have seen this J B Priestley play in many years and the key to Priestley is that the humour comes from the quick exchange of words between the characters.

The set and props were appropriate and used well by the cast. Furniture was well placed and allowed for ample movement around the stage. Most of the costumes were in keeping with the period as were the hair styles.

Alice Morris was very good as Ruby Birtle delivering her lines with ease and clear diction. Facial expression often underlined her delivery and accentuated the character’s actual thoughts.

Jack Coates as Gerald played well as the only southerner but his costume and hair were a little modern for the period and Kimberly Brough playing Nancy Holmes opposite him worked hard to deliver lines but the obvious irony for not telling her aunt and uncle was not emphasised enough. A little more direction would have overcome this as it can be difficult sometimes for younger players to fully grasp the irony that are obvious to older players.

The three couples that were celebrating their anniversary worked well together but with some missed lines this slowed the pace down somewhat. Some good comedy pieces though especially from the ladies. Each pair was well cast together and relationships very believable. Accents were, for the most part convincing giving the audience a good Yorkshire “twang”.

The supporting cast put in performances which were steady overall but again some cast members changed lines around or forgot lines which created some uncomfortable moments between players.

The star of the show for me was John Wetherall as Henry Ormonroyd who played the drunk photographer brilliantly. His lines were delivered perfectly with clear diction even though he was drunk which is a difficult thing to do. He commanded the stage and his scenes were filled with comic moments.

Overall this was an entertaining evening with an appreciative audience.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.