MUCH HADHAM DRAMA GROUP – “Joined by Drama”
Written and Directed by Mark Edwards
Music & Choreography – Sue Wetherall
Reviewed at Much Hadham Village Hall on Saturday 11 May at 8.00pm
I had the pleasure of reviewing the core part of this play at a local fringe festival last autumn. I noted at the time that I found it thoroughly absorbing, so was looking forward to seeing how the writer had expanded a short fringe style play, about life in the trenches in WW1, into a full length production. The result was both interesting and extremely enjoyable.
The time is the present day and the action takes place in the village of Much Hadham. In the village hall the local am dram group is preparing to rehearse their upcoming production, while outside, torrential rain and flooding, together with an armed robbery at the local convenience store, has resulted in the police closing the road. A family, including their blind relative are returning home but are forced to seek refuge in the village hall where they are made to feel welcome by the cast and crew.
A terrific performance by Ollie Robinson, first as am dram member Stevie, displaying his passion for music and dance in a totally over the top theatrical fashion. Then as Harold Tuck, a young solder guarding the western front. Two contrasting roles, both very well played. Well done to Tom Livesey, the youngest member of the company, both as Nigel and as Tommy Perkins, overzealous in his pursuit of action at the front, resulting in tragedy. I was pleased to be able to have a brief conversation with Tom at the end of the evening and hope he continues to pursue his love of acting.
There were good performances from Alfie Howard as both Gary Crant and John Franks, Douglas Sheppard as both Fred Stone and George Stanway and Olly Brant as Billy Jenkins.
Of the stranded family, Lisa Turpcu as Angela Pinnock seemed resigned to the fact that husband Scott (Paul Haimes) was being pursued at every turn by Velma, the am dram vamp. Good to see Amanda Green in a glamorous female role after so often being cast as a man, and I think she did rather well.
Playing a blind character cannot be easy and so I admire Alison Falconer for taking on this part. There were so many good performances in this production, with some great singing and dancing thrown in for good measure. I may only have named some of the cast but there just isn’t room in this report to mention them all. I must though give a mention to star struck Father David (Ralph Camp) who never missed an opportunity to quote (usually incorrectly) from an old film.
From usherettes selling popcorn, to finding a criminal in their midst, there was certainly a lot going on. And all whilst rehearsing and performing the truly emotive “Joined by War”, which for me was the highlight of the evening.
The production was accompanied by some very realistic, and at times very loud, sound effects, of which we were forewarned, as well as excellent lighting techniques.
This was an ambitious project and I congratulate Mark Edwards on the way he expanded a short play into a full length production.
Thank you for inviting me. We had a very enjoyable evening.
Decia Ranger
NODA East, District 7
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved