Wife After Death

In this black comedy,  Dave Thursby, a comedian and National treasure has died. The play opens in the lounge of his widow’s home. His glamorous and flighty widow (Laura), expertly played by Rebecca Lennon, leaves former scriptwriter (Harvey Barrett) and his wife (Vi) alone with the open coffin. Kevin Wilson and Carolyn Ferguson played these parts superbly. They were very convincing as the long-married couple, with Harvey seamlessly moving from confidence in his friendship with the deceased to total disbelief as his indiscretions were revealed. At the same time Vi clearly demonstrating knowing her husband very well and Carolyn maintained a silent, poised and wise air about her. They both successfully managed to keep up a good pace as the story of their relationship with the deceased unfolded. Whilst Harvey started out claiming that Dave was a good friend who confided in him, as the play unfolded it appeared that he didn’t in fact know him at all.  Indeed, nobody appeared to fully know him. Both cast members had a good rapport and were excellent throughout their protracted dialogues keeping the audience totally absorbed in the plot.

There were many amusing moments containing good-hearted jokes. Every character had some comedic one-liners and the whole cast, without exception, timed these to perfection. Equally good were the facial expressions and mannerisms of every single actor. Elements of farce were also highly effective. At one point Dave’s former agent, (Kevin), played well by Martin Croutear threw alcohol onto the face of the deceased. In Act 2, the ashes are thrown, from a trophy cup, at both Kevin and Kay. The latter, also played well by Sarah Kellett, turning up claiming to be married to Dave, thus making him a bigamist. Nessa Law (Jane) was very good as Kevin’s wife and she added pace,

In this black comedy,  Dave Thursby, a comedian and National treasure has died. The play opens in the lounge of his widow’s home. His glamorous and flighty widow (Laura), expertly played by Rebecca Lennon, leaves former scriptwriter (Harvey Barrett) and his wife (Vi) alone with the open coffin. Kevin Wilson and Carolyn Ferguson played these parts superbly. They were very convincing as the long-married couple, with Harvey seamlessly moving from confidence in his friendship with the deceased to total disbelief as his indiscretions were revealed. At the same time Vi clearly demonstrating knowing her husband very well and Carolyn maintained a silent, poised and wise air about her. They both successfully managed to keep up a good pace as the story of their relationship with the deceased unfolded. Whilst Harvey started out claiming that Dave was a good friend who confided in him, as the play unfolded it appeared that he didn’t in fact know him at all.  Indeed, nobody appeared to fully know him. Both cast members had a good rapport and were excellent throughout their protracted dialogues keeping the audience totally absorbed in the plot.

There were many amusing moments containing good-hearted jokes. Every character had some comedic one-liners and the whole cast, without exception, timed these to perfection. Equally good were the facial expressions and mannerisms of every single actor. Elements of farce were also highly effective. At one point Dave’s former agent, (Kevin), played well by Martin Croutear threw alcohol onto the face of the deceased. In Act 2, the ashes are thrown, from a trophy cup, at both Kevin and Kay. The latter, also played well by Sarah Kellett, turning up claiming to be married to Dave, thus making him a bigamist. Nessa Law (Jane) was very good as Kevin’s wife and she added pace, scattiness and comedy effectively.

The set was very attractive - bright, tastefully furnished  and the space well used with a door plus sliding patio doors. White flowers and condolence cards were strategically placed and in the second act the flowers were changed. Splendid attention to detail.  The drinks trolley one end and a writing desk the other ensured plenty of movement, particularly during the long speeches between the Harveys who were on stage for the whole performance.

The costumes were very well thought out and congratulations must go to Liz Santer for making a fat suit for Vi to fulfil the comments of the deceased who would apparently refer to her as needing to ‘pull up two chairs’!

Dinah Bowman, yet again, proved herself to be an excellent director. The cast was strong and well chosen. The play was a good choice and all comic elements and character traits were brought out to provide a very entertaining evening. The audience of circa 100 obviously thoroughly enjoyed it.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

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