Date

6th April 2017

Society

Marlborough Dramatic Club

Venue

Brentwood School Memorial Hall

Type of Production

Play

Director

William Wells

Report

Author: Decia Ranger for Tessa Davies

Anton Chekhov’s play about family issues and unrequited love was in good hands with this Society.  The script, as in other Chekhov works is rather intense and to fully appreciate the storyline one must become fully absorbed in the action and not allow the mind to wander. There was no fear of this happening with this excellent production.

We were greeted with an open stage suitably dressed as a terrace and with music which perfectly fitted the setting, playing in the background.  Two or three characters moving into position on stage before the lights were lowered, eased us nicely into the proceedings.

All the principals were well cast.  Keith Morgan gave a strong performance as the aging Serebryakov and Juliette Bird was excellent as his languid young wife, Yelana

A superb performance from Sara Thompson as Sonya, bringing a passion to the role which never faltered.  Very well done.

Vanya is a man obsessed by a life wasted and his love for Helena.  It is an all-consuming role and Darren Hannant really lived the part.  A superb portrayal, showing all the emotions and frustrations of a broken man.

Gavin Leary gave a strong performance as Astrov and there were other good performances from Margaret Corry as Maria, Harry Morrison as Telegrin and Jean Morgan as Marina.

Congratulations to the wardrobe department for sourcing such authentic costumes. The attention to detail was amazing.  I found it impossible to tell if the ladies were wearing wigs, which of course is how it should be and the gentlemen, wearing rounded shirt collars of the period looked exactly right.

The single set worked well and the lighting was good and when required, very atmospheric.

This was a production of a very high standard which I found thoroughly absorbing.  Congratulations to Director William Wells and everyone else involved.

Such a pity there were not more people in the audience to appreciate the Company’s efforts.  Hopefully things picked up for the rest of the run.