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The show was fast paced, aided by cast and backstage crew changing the
scenes swiftly and unobtrusively. The stage was well dressed and well lit,
with period appropriate props and the smaller details such as the style of
glasses and jewellery etc, that enticed us into this era and its people. The
scenery was impressive, from the interior (especially the library and
talking busts and portraits), to the exterior of Harewood Hall, the pub and
the streets of London. The set and scenery worked well on the stage and
the space was utilised effectively, with the actors playing to the front of
the stage and using different areas to create other rooms and places.
The sound was well balanced between actor and orchestra, and all cues
appeared well timed. The atmospheric lighting fully supported the mood
and action, achieving many aesthetic effects throughout this production,
especially during the ancestors scene and the lamp post routine with
Bills shadow dancing.
1
the audience to get a chance to fall in love with the characters, especially
Bill Snibson. Tristan struck the fine balance between
comedy and romance perfectly, and each character was played with
authority and thus did not fall into the trap of over-egging it. The scenes
where Bill encounters both inanimate and animate objects were well
directed and choreographed, from his somersault into his hat on the
chaise longue, repeatedly tangling himself up in The House of Lords
ermine-collared cape and tripping over it in ever more complex ways, the
swordsmanship, to wrestling with the rather sad and tired looking tiger
rug. The diction and clarity especially during the brilliant cockney
rhyming slang episodes were delivered with confidence and a sound
understanding of timing, tone and context.
The entire cast were switched-on and fully present in the action which
gave this show a sense of spontaneity and freshness, especially in the
more energetic scenes, where it appeared people were falling over and
flying across the stage. Even when there was a moment when lines were
missed, the cast were secure enough in their roles to carry on and kept
the tempo going. The pace, timing, staging and blocking was well thought
out and the characterisation was sustained throughout, including the
various accents.
This was a well-cast production with everyone portraying their parts with
fine characterisation and understanding.
ACTING
Maisie Humphries played Bills gal Sally Smith with vitality selflessness
and sincerity, always acting the emotion of the part, accompanied by fine
dancing skills and a lovely singing voice with a moving rendition of Once
you lose your heart. This was an honest performance that made one
believe in her genuine love for Bill and her heartbreak when she sings
ballads.
3
Olivia Locke with her physicality and stature commanded the stage. As
the elegant temptress Lady Jacqueline Carstone she tried every trick up
her silky sleeve to seduce Bill with her vampish behaviour. Locke gave a
mesmerising performance of, You Would If You Could.
4
Liam Heap as Herbert Parchester gave a proficient and energetic
portrayal as the rather light on his feet operatic eccentric solicitor. One
highlight was during The Family Solicitor number, when Heaps
Parchester certainly more than let rip a little! Hopefully someone has the
sense to upload this in order to break the internet! What stamina!!
5
This was a very entertaining, polished mature production which rightly
deserved the raucous applause. The cast were clearly in their element
and the audience threw themselves into the revelry.
Many thanks for your kind hospitality and I hope to see you all again in
the future.