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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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Neil Jacks as Algernon, Stephen Green as the Rev Chasuble and Steve Hayes as John Worthing The Importance of Being Earnest
Richmond Ward Productions
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
**** WITH many companies choosing to perform
Oscar Wilde’s well loved classic in recent times, it is a difficult task
to bring something new or fresh to the stage. However, Richmond Ward Productions (RWP) made a
commendable effort to do just that. The clever use of both the stage and
the hall floor for the performance gave some added dimension to the
action which moved along at pace. The interaction and dialogue between Jack (Steve
Ha There were fine performances from Catherine Keats
as Gwendolen, Jazzmin Letitia as Cecily and Elizabeth Brooks as Miss
Prism. The indomitable Lady Bracknell was played convincingly by
Patrick Ward in the style of Margaret Rutherford. A few 'wobbly moments’ from some cast members
hardly distracted from the storyline and this could perhaps be simply a
touch of first night nerves. There were also some technical issues with
the microphones crackling and failing at times.
This was a tad aggravating and one has to ask,
are microphones really necessary? It is fairly unusual for them to be
used in dramatic theatre (these usually being the domain of musical
theatre for the purpose of balancing singing voices). Personally, we prefer the use of natural voice
projection which allows the audience to hear the finer nuances and tones
of delivery. It may be that the acoustics of the venue are not
ideal, but on the occasions where the mics failed, the actors projected
well and the dialogue was clearly audible. A lovely backdrop enhanced the simple but
effective set and the costumes were authentic in appearance. However, a
few of the props were somewhat dubious, for example a ‘cigarette’ case
that may have been able to hold a calling card but certainly not a
cigarette and a pair of serving tongs used as sugar tongs. Well done to RWP for presenting a play at the
Town Hall, the first one for 40 years. A pleasant, enjoyable
production, with the promise of becoming more so once the opening night
hiccoughs are overcome. Directed by Patrick Ward and produced by Frances
Richmond, Oscar Wilde’s classic runs to 19-06-16. Rosemary Manjunath and Elizabeth Smith
16-6-16 |
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yes)
and Algernon (Neil Jacks) was of particular note. The perfectly cast
pair delivered Wilde’s witty retorts with impeccable diction, perfect
timing and strong synergy.