To mark its silver jubilee, Hijinx commissioned this challenging play Seize the Day by Glenys Evans. It is a simple tale of a downtrodden kitchen maid in a thirties aristocratic mansion, who finds love and escapes to a new life.
Gaynor Lougher, with a cast of five and a basic set of a few stairs and movable door frames, effectively produces a feeling of below stairs activity, enhanced by the music of James Williams. That said, what makes this production outstanding is that the leading role of Mary is taken by Sarah Gordy, a professional actress with six years experience, who has Down’s syndrome.
Part of Hijinx’ work has been directed at those with learning difficulties, their carers, relatives and friends, as well as the wider theatre-going public. They aim to present a positive image of diverse disability, making a plea for equal opportunity. But this is a step much further, for Sarah in a long and demanding role, both in dialogue and movement (including excerpts from Romeo and Juliet) carries it all off with great assurance. It is a triumph for her and the company.
Jack Reynolds shows attractive dash and sensitivity as the jaunty gypsy groom Harry, who helps build Mary’s self-confidence. Cler Stephens is suitably fierce as the martinet cook Mrs Chambers, while Zoe Davies as the snooty daughter of the household, Miss Julie, revels in the sort of characterisation that gave the aristocracy such a bad press.
Seize the Day visits 35 venues on its two-month tour of Wales and England. Those who see it are unlikely to forget the heart-warming experience. The upbeat climax brought tears to my eyes, not an easy thing to do after 40 years of reviewing.
Review by Jon Holiday, The Stage from perfomance at Newport Riverfront, 17 May 2006
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