Spirit Level

I have seen plays in the past which have been advertised as comedies, but unfortunately, I left the theatre rather disappointed. However, happily the latest play from Wigan Little Theatre “Spirit Level”, written by Pam Valentine more than measured up to its description and was a very funny production, which included both verbal and very funny physical comedy, all under the direction of Pat Hall. I must admit I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions throughout the performance. 

The story follows famous crime writer Jack Cameron, a very sharp witted no nonsense character with a very dry sense of humour played excellently by Peter Hall and his wife Susie, beautifully played by Erinna Delaney who complemented Peters character nicely. Tragically they both died in a boating accident while on holiday in Italy, but, unfortunately, as Jack was a card-carrying atheist, he was refused entry into heaven, so Susie makes the decision to stay with him and they both return to their country cottage where they had previously lived. As time goes on they find some of their days somewhat monotonous and the only fun they have is to haunt estate agent Mark Webster (Tom Phillips) and frighten away any prospective tenants, that is until a young couple, Simon and Felicity Willis, played very well by Alex Lafferty and Fiona Stewart, view the cottage. Simon is an aspiring writer and is over the moon that the cottage once belonged to one of his favorite authors, Jack Cameron. Felicity is also pregnant, so they need to find somewhere to live soon. Susie persuades Jack to let them move into their cottage and all is going well, Jack and Susie become protective of both Simon and Felicity, and it could be said that they were living their lives through Simon and Felicity. That is until Felicity’s mother Marcia Bradshaw visits, a very snobbish and disapproving character played to a tea by Maureen Schofield. In a panic Susie calls on her Guardian Angel played by Patricia Ashurst for help, not thinking that anyone would turn up. Patricia looked like a stereotypical eccentric grandma and had a very likable a quirky comedic character. She tells Jack and Susie the book that Simon is writing must be a success or certain unfortunate things will happen. To help stop this she shows Jack and Susie a technique to use which will enable them to influence Simon's thoughts, however they also use this process to cause mayhem. All the cast produced very entertaining comedic characterizations with brilliant comic timing, and the delivery of the punchlines was spot on. All the actors worked very well together, there were no weak links, they were all very believable and strong in their roles and the two couples complimented each other very well. I believe the success of this play relied very much on the strengths of all the actors who rose to the challenge with expertise. However, I would just like to mention Tom Phillips as Estate agent, Mark Webster, his facial expressions and reactions to Jack and Susie’s pranks, when they moved vases, ornaments, keys and paintings not to mention the floating Christmas Tree ornaments, was hilarious as was his escapade with Felicity’s mother after Jack and Susie put the thought inside her head that she was very attracted to Mark and had to have him, the scene was played hilariously by both Tom and Maureen which had the whole audience in-fits of laughter. The pace of the play was just right and dialogue was very clear so the plot could be easily followed. There were a few prompts, but they did not detract or affect the pace or the rhythm of the production at all. 

All the action takes place in the living room of Jack and Susie’s home Cobbler’s Cottage, which meant there was only one excellent set designed by Peter Hall. Well done to Stage Managers John Naughton and John Dudley, all the set builders, set painters, props and all crew, who produced the set for the actors to work on, you felt you were in the room with the actors not watching them on a stage.  The costumes were just right for the era and suited each character. Sound and lighting were very efficient enhancing the action on stage and when Jack and Susie finally left this world at the end of the play the technical input was very effective. 

Not only was this play very funny, but there were some very poignant moments as well and there were lessons to be learned about life, love, tolerance, and redemption, and that it is alright to put other people first.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this production to the stage including all workers front of house, my friend and I had a very enjoyable evening.

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