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| Mortimer Dramatic Society. Based in St. John's Hall Mortimer, MDS is an amateur theatre company and has been presenting high quality plays and musicals and musical plays, to a professional standard, for the people of Mortimer and North Hampshire since 1951 |
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MDS has been presenting high quality
theatre and musical plays,
to a professional standard, for the people of Mortimer
for over 50 years.
by Ronald Harwood.
18th-19th and 25th-26th October 2002.
About The Play
Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred are in a home for
retired opera singers in Kent.
Each year, on 10th October, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday,
Jean, who used to be married to Reggie arrives at the home and disrupts
their equlibrian. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing.
But the show must go on...
By turns funny and poignant, Quartet premiered
in Sept 1999 at the
Albery Theatre, London. It starred Stephanie Cole, Alec McCowen, Donald
Sinden and Angela Thorne.
The Review
National Operatic & Dramatic Association,
London Area.
| On Saturday 19th October 2002, I was pleased to be invited to review Mortimer Dramatic Society's latest presentation Quartet I had never seen this play before and after reading the programme realised that it had only recently been released for amateur productions. This is the first time I have come across this author and he is obviously a fine wordsmith. From what I saw on the night of my visit, I am sure that this play will performed many times in the future. The story line had been very well written with the four players having well-crafted characters. It contained all the humour and tragedy required to make this play a obvious 'hit. The whole play had pace with well pointed lines, good movement within the stage area and an hilarous finale. This was entertainment of the highest order. Tom Shorrock - (WILFRED BOND) - As the extrovert member of the group, with a roguish twinkle in his eye for the ladies, Tom was excellent. His presentation of Wilfred Bond could not be faulted making him a larger than life character. Good movement, diction and superb facial expressions throughout the performance with well pointed lines and comedy timing - A first class performance. Graham Jerome - (REGINALD PAGET). In contrast, Graham as the introverted member of the party, except when he was shouting for his marmalade, was beautifully portrayed and in particular his confrontation with his ex-wife Jean, and the eventual semi-reconciliation. I could not fault his performance; this was acting at its very best. Shelley Worboys - (CECILY ROBSON) - One fell in love with Shelley's characterisation of Cecily She made her a warm friendly person who is in the early stages of dementia. Her excitement on the arrival of the famous opera star was very well portrayed, excellent diction and facial expressions - A lovely characterisation. Judy Winter - (JEAN HORTON) - This was a great portrayal of the Grand Diva' who is past her 'sale by date' and finds herself in the Rest Home' with none other than her divorced husband and who eventually admits that she has lost her singing voice and therefore cannot join in the celebration quartet in honour of Verdi. This situation is overcome by miming to a recording, resulting in an hilarious finale - A wonderful characterisation. Mandy Grimwade - (DIRECTOR) - To take a new play which contained no instructions with regard to staging, sets etc: is quite a challenge, which Mandy rose to magnificently and from -what was presented, I doubt if it could have been bettered. The four roles had been very well cast and their various characters well developed. Staging and movement could not be faulted and a good pace was maintained throughout with well pointed lines, all concluding with an hilarious finale - Congratulations on presenting a new play to such a high standard. I enjoyed every minute of it. Stage Manager and Crew - A very well managed stage by this crew with swift, silent property changes - Well done. Stage Design and Construction - The Mortimer technicians do an excellent job on their sets, and this was no exception. It had depth, solidity and depicted very well both the interior and the exterior of the Rest Home'. I am always amazed on the quality of the sets, bearing in mind the restricted space available. This set is a strong contender for the NODA 'Pat Barr Scenic Trophy but for submission it would require two coloured photographs of each act. If this can be supplied, I will be only too pleased to submit this for consideration - My congratulations to all concerned. Lighting and Sound - Lighting was good ensuring the right atmosphere was generated on stage and the sound was of a good quality. I don't know what amplification if any, was used, but every word could be heard. Was this the result of good projection and diction by the performers? Set Dressing - I could not fault the set dressing; everything appeared in its appropriate place and ensured the set appeared authentic. Properties - A first-class set of properties, all relevant to the plot, looking genuine in every detail. Costumes - This was a superb set of costumes fitting the four different characters completely Make-up - The make-up had been well applied and looked authentic under the strong stage lighting. I was particularly impressed with the fact that no serious ageing of the players had been done, relying on their facial expressions and body language, which worked extremely well. Programme - This was a well laid out programme containing all relevant information and items of interest and excellent coloured photographs of the cast and with some interesting shots of rehearsals. The cover was particularly eye-catching with an evocative picture which summed up exactly the content of the play and at 20p was extremely good value for money. Front of House - As always, Front of House Staff were welcoming and friendly to their audience. Thank you for inviting my wife Daphne and myself to review this performance of the play "Quartet, and for your excellent hospitality. This was one of the best plays I have seen in a long time, all beautifully acted in a great setting. Congratulations to all concerned. Henry Hawes - NODA Representative - Area 13 |
Did you see the show?
If so, what did you think? We'd love to hear from you so why not e-mail
us with your review?
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