Wild Goose Chase

First time Directors Corinne Bell and Sean Chalkwright certainly chose a challenging vehicle, but on the whole it worked well, although I felt it was very predictable, and not always well-written, but it was helped I’m sure by a cast of experienced actors.  There was a lack of pace in some places, which I’m sure would have picked up over the run.

The set was well thought-out and constructed, giving the cast space to move around it easily, and also to facilitate the madness of the farcical aspects of the action.  I liked the use of what I think was the Post Horn Gallop as the musical opening and entre act, as it echoed the sometimes manic movement by the cast, I also enjoyed hearing it again, as it is a piece I love!!

The opening was lively, with Lord Elrood charging around and firing shots at the postman – made us all sit up and take notice, which is what is needed at the start of a play.

The end of Act 2 was also very good, leaving us wanting more, and the finale where the Director played the postman was very funny, a fitting end to a fun play.

I liked the surprise of Chester appearing in the suit of armour, and the way he manipulated himself whilst wearing it, can’t have been the most comfortable or easy thing to wear!

The incident of the lampshade, and it being lit up when Chester had it covering his head, was also well-accomplished.  Little touches like those mentioned, always add to the enjoyment of a production.

I thought the costumes throughout worked well, and were suitable for each character.

Bridget Fletcher-Wells gave Ada the maid a many-faceted portrayal, from the shy, to the flirty, to the aggrieved plus all points in between - all good, and nice to see what could have been a very nondescript character explore all aspects to make it memorable.

Iain King always makes the most of his characters, and as Lord Elrood this was no exception.  He created a slightly manic rather other-worldly man, steeped in the past, with a nice line in trying to shoot the postman – well done!

Penny Coombs as the rather vague Lady Elrood looked the part and had the right amount of hauteur to lift her slightly above the normality plane of the other people who entered and exited her rather hectic life.

Patricia Elrood, the daughter of the house, was played nicely by Christina Payne, there were some good facial expressions going on when she wasn’t the centre of attention, and I liked her general interpretation.

Jenny Pullen as Jenny Stewart, a visitor who had seemingly outstayed her welcome, created a quirky character.

The rather eccentric Miss Partridge was beautifully played by Imogen Roberts.  I always enjoy Imogen’s interpretation of a character, and this was spot on, creating a good contrast to the other characters within the play, and a really fun portrayal in its own right.

I liked the classy accent of Constable Pond – a very different policeman – again contrasting with the other characters.  Michael Swietochowski accomplished his part well, with some nice touches.

Robert Peacock got some good moves into his part as Chester Dreadnought, and showed his experience in the various ways his character was required to explore.  Very well done!

The final two members of the cast, the gangster-like Capone and Wedgewood, as created by Sam Harris and Ed Fletcher-Wells again gave an added dimension to the play – very expressive performances from them both, with lots of amusing interludes. 

All in all a proficient version of the play, which we enjoyed, and which gave us some laughs throughout the evening – I think Corinne and Sean should be proud of theirs and their cast’s accomplishments.

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