At RWCMD |
| Welsh College of Music and Drama- Absent Friends , Chapter Arts Centre , May 24, 2001 |
| This was my first visit to the 'Stiwdio' space at Chapter. A space a little smaller than its main theatre but a good space and a little larger than Chapter's virtually 'accessible to all' space 'Platform One.' The first thing that struck me was the excellent very high quality of design student Mark Hughes's set. A highly appropriate sophisticated setting for this play, immaculately executed and very well lit. One immediately felt that one was in 'quality theatre' But this was inevitable for at the helm was, probably the most professional and creative and disciplined practitioner in theatre in Wales today, Director Peter Doran (Artistic Director of the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven). And yes I have just written to him for a job so watch this space! The play evolves around a tea party held at the home of Di and Paul to cheer up Colin whose fiancee has recently drowned. As it turns out each member of the assembled group is in need of consolation for their lost dreams and disintegrating marriages, more so than Colin. The director succeeds well in assisting these young actors, who have, in their own personas, yet to experience the ups and downs of married life 'enjoyed' by the characters in the play, to present life in middle class marriage hell very convincingly The varying pace of the play, the look and personalities of the vitality of the cast drive the play along most entertainingly, catching the mood of Ayckbourn's cynicism and his great ability to expose our human foibles to us. Colin starts the play as an endearing character but he becomes a 'pain in the neck' by the end. Actor Jerome Ashworth takes us hilariously through this transformation in a most comically endearing and loveable manner. he's one of those actors audiences want to rush up on to the stage and hug. Jerome sounds to me like a Northerner, we have a similar 'huggable" actor here in Cardiff in Roger Evans who recently appeared in Sgript Cymru's "Art and Guff" by Cath Treggana at Chapter. This performance was well contrasted by Rob Herman who succeeded in the job of being a constantly on the move character without making us want to get up and tell to sit down and be still. The character, Evelyn is so disdainful of what is going on that she remains on the periphery of the but Clare Hingots succeeds in making her very much part of the action. This kind of plays demands the best possible team approach from its cast. These talented newcomer certainly conveyed the joy they shared in working together. Entering a field where, with my own son about to leave Drama Training, I know only too well that employment opportunities will always be limited I wish these guys every success. |
Reviewed by: Michael Kelligan |
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