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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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A garden gate opening up time
Tom’s Midnight Garden
The Grange Players
Grange Playhouse, Walsall
****
THIS fascinating play could be a ghost story, an exploration of time
travel, or a gentle tale about two children longing for friendship who
meet up in a mysterious garden. It sounds
rather fanciful, which could by why the director, Dexter Whitehead,
wrote in the programme: “The challenges of bringing this to the stage
are endless, and for this show to really work the audience must be able
to open their minds and use their imagination”. He needn’t have worried. His
skill in presenting David Wood’s adaptation of Philippa Pearce’s book
ensures that everyone is carried along smoothly, comfortable in scenes
where the cast appear to skate on ice during a snowfall, a gaggle of
geese cause mischief and a young girl plunges from a tree. Full marks, too, for the
various eerie, candle-lit moments and incidents
Will Young gives a superb
performance as Tom, quarantined through measles and living with his aunt
and uncle in their 1950s apartment within what had been a country house
in the 1880s – 1890s, but now has no garden. However, when the old grandfather clock surprisingly strikes 13 at midnight, he opens a door to discover a beautiful garden and develops a warm friendship with a young girl, Hatty, in Victorian dress. Phoebe Hooper as Hatty with Tom played by Will Young Phoebe Hooper is excellent as
Hatty who copes well in her regular chats and adventures with her new
friend in his striped pyjamas and dressing gown, as well as exchanges
with her cousins, who can’t see the newcomer. Both youngsters’ acting is
strong and they deliver their lines perfectly, which is so important to
the plot. They also receive strong support from Emily Armstrong and Gary
Pritchard, playing Tom’s aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan. Teenager Daniel Boot is
impressive as Tom’s brother, appearing regularly from a first floor
‘window’ in the set, reading letters from his absent sibling giving
details about the secret garden adventures. A strong contribution, too,
from Dan Holyhead as Abel, the gardener, while Mary Whitehouse is
convincing as the recluse, Mrs Bartholomew, who looks after the old
grandfather clock and hardly says a word until the final scenes when she
reveals a touching secret which explains the whole mystery…..or does it. Great credit is due to
designer Tony Groves and his team (Sue Groves, Robert Onions, Beth
Porter and Mark Natrass) for planning and constructing such delightful
garden on stage, with trim green lawn, mature tree, flowers beds, a
greenhouse and a rose covered archway leading out into the country.
Magical. Tom’s Midnight Garden remains
open until 14.03.15 Paul Marston
04-03-15 |
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when
the main character, young Tom, appears to walk through the closed glass
door of a greenhouse, and later through a solid wall. Clever stuff.