Mortimer Dramatic Society
"FAREWELL JACOB STARKIE"
St. John's Hall, Mortimer
Henry Hawes - NODA Representative - Area 13
On
Dramatic Society's latest presentation "Farewell Jacob Starkie" combined with one of their excellent 'Supper Evenings'. This play was new to me and I eventually discovered that it was originally written as three one act plays entitled "Funeral Tea","
Sarah Clark - (MARTHA)
Mary Aukland - (SARAH) - As the two nieces of of 'Old Jacob Starkie' who one saw
initially having just returned from the cremation and then at the following celebration and finally the disposal of his ashes. I have combined these two performers together as they were superb, giving faultless performances. Their characterisations were spot-on with a well sustained
Helen Sharpe - (Mrs ELLIS) - As the arranger of wakes and anniversaries Helen had got the characterisation just right. here we had some excellent acting with good diction and a super accent, all coupled with lovely facial expressions - Well done.
Jeannette Crisp - (Mrs BOOTH) - As a newcomer to Mortimer Dramatic Society,
Jeanette was superb in this characterisation, she was the epitome of the type of person who invited herself to wakes and funerals, in other words a 'gatecrasher'. Her
characterisation could not be faulted, here we had good diction and projection with
some lovely, 'straight laced' facial expressions - Congratulations.
Mari Fleming - (Mrs PARKER) - I have known Mari for a number of years (I won’t say how many) and I have always admired her on stage, but of recent years she has
developed enormously, becoming an excellent actress, particularly when playing 'odd characters' and this part was no exception - a well developed character.
Tom Shorrock - (DIRECTOR) - Tom had picked his cast well and ensured they gave the right characterisations. It had obviously been well rehearsed with the cast appearing word perfect with well pointed lines and a good pace throughout. Movement about the stage area was natural and at the same time ensured a well balanced stage. Diction from all the principals was good with a well maintained
Stage Manager - A well managed stage throughout with no visible hitches.
Lighting Design & Operation - This was a straight-forward lighting design which had the desired effect. Its operation on the night of my visit could not be faulted.
Sound - The sound was well controlled with no distortion of voices and every word
could be heard throughout the hall.
Set Design & Construction - Once again the Mortimer scenic designers had come up trumps with a superb set. It had been well constructed and the decor was of the highest order so that one was transported to a house of that period and locality.
Set Dressing - This was excellent and indicated well a
Props - These had been well researched and ensured they fitted both the action on
stage and the period displayed.
Wardrobe - The wardrobe department had done a good job in ensuring the costumes fitted the period and the characters concerned. They looked clean and well pressed.
Programme - A neat little programme of the right size which contained all the
necessary information and items of interest with good cast photographs and
biographies.
Front of House - As always, Front of House were welcoming and helpful to their
audience.
Thank you once again for inviting me to what I consider was a theatrical experience,
helped by the fact that it is good to see something new and innovative, and for your
excellent hospitality. I look forward to your next presentation with anticipation and wish you all success with it.