NODA REVIEW
TORRINGTON PLAYERS 18th January 2020
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS
It has always been a treat to attend a performance by Torrington Players as not only do they perform some very different plays but it’s of a standard all its own and Christmas Crackers was no exception!
Christmas Crackers by John Godber is a play that I have not seen before, therefore it was refreshing and new with no preconceived ideas of what to expect
It’s late at night outside the busy A&E department on Christmas Eve as Keith, the security guard, keeps a watchful eye on the comings and goings of the various individuals that frequent the night shift and often “goes off” into a world of his own.
Keith played by Vince Webb was a wonderful portrayal as a grumpy” Ba Humbug” who doesn’t like Christmas and everything in the glass is half empty! Nursing a secret passion for Kath, Vince had the expressions, the world weariness and down right” say it as it is” kind of character that really was at its best, with great timing. He made his character really believable, he made you laugh, feel sad and, at times, made you want to shake him! But when living out his fantasy, he was smiling, debonair and warm, certainly his alter ego. different altogether!
Kath, (Julia Ward-Bailey) did very well as the nurse who cared so much about her patients but was shattered after a hard time at work and delighted to be going on a surprise trip to Prague, a gift from an anonymous admirer. Holly, (Emelia McNeil) was a flighty type and typical good time girl the opposite to her friend. The characterisation was spot on.
Alan, played by Paul Cockman( who was also the Director) came over well as the laid back operative, trying desperately to get into the spirit of the season and bring his friend Keith with him ,at the same time taking umbrage at his nickname of “Fat Alan” .Paul is to be heartily congratulated on his skilful directing .
Billy/Franz (Marion Walker) had great facial expressions, excellent movement and an almost sinister stage presence. Great performance
Lilly/Kit …...Charlene Hoare made everything of her roles, acting with pathos and a heart wrenching frailty, just super along with Anna /Hans Wonderful (Samantha Bright) who handled these two very different characters with aplomb.
Mike. (Steve McNeil) was a haunted sort of guy in more ways than one and came across well.
Len /Jaroslav/Vaclav/ Gustav all these roles by Mark Pluckrose and had his work cut out with plenty to do in this play but did it he did and very well indeed. I particularly liked his portrayal of the coughing, smoking Len just great, along with Stev-o/Mik (Lewis Holt) who
did a great job and showed that he capable of much larger roles especially in character roles He was very convincing as Steve-o / Mik. This was a play with plenty of black humour, was thought provoking and cleverly performed by some very skilled actors with both pathos and laughter showing a snatch of everyday life and a glimpse of what that life could be with some courage and a bit of luck. This was a play so well done, no weak links and perfect timing throughout. The set was minimal but effective, with an atmospheric Charles Bridge and some interesting props. Many congratulations to all those connected to Christmas Crackers (forgive the pun ) but it truly was a cracker of a performance of which the whole company can be justly proud! Graham Liverton Regional Councillor NODA Southwest
