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The Handyman |
[print] |
Britton Ferry Little Theatre |
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Britton Ferry Community Hall |
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September 14, 2007 |
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The latest major production from Briton Ferry Little Theatre was something of a departure for the society - an intelligent, complex and remarkably timely drama directed by Martyn Morgan and revolving around the trauma of a man accused of committing war crimes during the Second World War - crimes which are now known as ethnic cleansing.Terry Rees contributed a towering performance as Roman Kosachenko, a seemingly harmless and benevolent Ukrainian handyman - now living in rural Sussex - whose life is turned upside down when the police arrive to investigate claims that he was involved in the killing of Jews more than half a century ago. Rees's resonant delivery added much to the emotional impact of the piece, as indeed did Don Pugh's chillingly effective portrayal of war criminal Nikita Fedorenko and Joyce Harding's moving performance as Sister Sophia. Catherine Brown - making her debut appearance with the society as Cressida Field - fared brilliantly in what was by any standards a demanding role, while Russell Workman excelled in his portrayal of her businessman husband, Julian. Lynda Keneally's performance as smart lawyer Marian Stone also struck exactly the right note. Well-judged contributions too from Roger Cotton and Gillian Murphy, who made the most of their roles as DI Washbourne and DC Mather during the lengthy police procedural scenes. It is by no means easy to maintain the pace during what are essentially static and wordy scenes, but the director had clearly borne this in mind when working with the performers and the results spoke for themselves. Hopefully Briton Ferry Little Theatre will continue to build upon its success and present evermore intriguing and thought-provoking productions alongside its populist offerings. The society already attracts a large and loyal following, and on the strength of this production, such support is fully justified. The above review appeared in the South Wales Evening Post |
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| South Wales Evening post | |
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