|
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
Young witches cast pleasing spell
Unbewitched: Mrs Vitoller, (Sophie Dix); Sergeant (Roisin Keating); Verance (Anna Garrett); Tomjon (James Kay); Duchess (Hannah Scothern); Fool (James Boyce); Duke (Dan Beaton); Hwel (Rachael Pickard); Vitoller (Aron Bourke).Wyrd Sisters Hall Green Little Theatre Youth Theatre *** IT was not until I had travelled 15 miles
home and looked at the programme that I realised that Roy Palmer's
studio production has 23 scenes, starting with The Blasted Heath and
finishing with The Blasted Heath Again. You could have fooled me. Its first night flowed
almost seamlessly, with its young company coming reliably to its
responsibilities – though beset by the familiar failing of youth
productions, of often speaking far too quickly, delivering the lines as
if the speakers were anxious to be rid of them before they forgot them. Not that there appeared to be in any danger that
this would happen, and three members of the cast, in particular, do not
fall into this trap. Indeed, Aaron Bourke (Vitoller) combines very good
diction with a remarkable bouncing walk. James Kay (Tomjon) similarly
comes through loud and clear; and Hannah Scothern (Lady Felmet)
supplements her own speaking excellence with the ability to say
controversy correctly, which is a vanishing art these days.
At the heart of the action, of course, are the
three witches whom author Terry Pratchett has created. Laura Coxson (the
authoritative Granny Weatherwax), is firmly in command of Magrat Garlick
(Iona Taylor) and Nanny Ogg (Kiara Mackay), both of whom are apt to
permit themselves mischievous smiles from time to time. They make a
pleasing trio, from whom emerges one of my favourite lines: “You can't
beat a good imprecation. I ain't done one in years.” Another, since you ask, is “I set fire to a few
cottages. Everyone does that. And it's good for the building industry.”
And a third is, “Just when things are going well, there's always bloody
Destiny.” From time to time, the company is given the
opportunity to have a mild swear and it seizes it without noticeable
excitement James Boyce gives us a Fool with serious intent
and shares with Rachael Pickard (Hwel) a particularly pleasing
encounter. Anna Garrett comes ghostly earnest as the late King of Lancre
and Fran Johnston is a pleasing little Demon. The production is well supported by sound and lighting and never threatens to fall short of atmosphere. To 08-10-11 John Slim |
|
|
|
