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Breezy Play - Then Compelling Drama
Two One-Act Plays, Altered Egos and God Willing presented by Torquay Theatre Troupe, Belbrae Hall November 4, 2010
Altered Egos and God Willing are in complete contrast to each other, one an appealing comedy and the other a powerful drama. Torquay Theatre Company was in Bellbrae to stage them, as their regular venue was being renovated. A big audience turned out to pack the Bellbrae Community Hall and judging by the applause and smiling faces, most would agree it was worth the trip.
First off, Altered Egos, by John Burls, began the night with a mix of humour and pathos. Fred Preston was on fine comic form, using his strong stage presence to great effect as the ageing Dillman Martini, a man convinced life is just about over, but wanting desperately to find the courage to propose marriage to Harriette Parker, a widow he’s been longing to be with for some time. Maryanne Doolan created a superb Harriette and she and Fred were delightful as the aging romantics. But there was more to this play: suddenly Chris Young appeared as Dillman’s alter ego (or perhaps his inner self) Scot Ransome, a notably younger figure who urged Dillman to overcome the doubts and insecurities which were foiling his plan to propose. Kristie Vaughan then joined him as Letitia Boom Boom, representing the inner Harriette. Like Scot, Letitia was much younger than the person she represented. We can consider this the young person inside the older body or perhaps the bold person within the shy and insecure character.
These two played sweetly a romance between themselves. Whether or not the alter egos could be together depended on whether or not Dillman and Harriette could find the courage to make their romance happen...
The result was a funny, bittersweet play which has much food for thought in its clever premise and the fine cast, under the guidance of director Gay Bell, presented it with skill and care.
After a brief, pleasant interval it was onto the second play, God Willing, by Bruce Olive.
This hard-hitting, heavy, humourless drama was pretty strong medicine coming after the breezy entertainment of the first play, but the audience was immediately captivated by this tale of a girl terrorist and her pregnant woman hostage.
Almost a two-hander, this play did have additional support in the voice of Simon Taylor, as the sinister Controller, but it was Lisa Berry as the frightened and desperate Nadia and Rhiannon Hodgkinson in the pivotal terrorist role Suria who made this such a harrowing yet spellbinding dramatic experience.
If one was to criticise Bruce Olive’s script, then perhaps it hammered its messages a little too relentlessly, when such powerful themes are more than capable of making their impact with a little. But his exploration of how a young, innocent girl could be brainwashed into becoming the type of fanatic we read about in the news was undeniably effective and Rhiannon and Lisa are to be commended for their compelling and ultimately moving performances. Director Michael Baker kept things tight and tense and the resounding enthusiasm of the audience at the end of the play proved that hard hitting drama with a message is certainly welcome in local theatre.
In all, this was a great evening’s entertainment and is highly recommended. A trip to Bellbrae will be well worth your time.
Adrian Sherlock.
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