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Newsletter - November 08
Next Production:
Dickensian Show
Reviews
Players on the Road
Laying the Ghost
When you hear that the stage manager had decided to fly out to Florida immediately after the first night, you might be forgiven for thinking that the Grassington Players’ latest production should have been given a wide berth. How wrong you would have been. It is not surprising that word spread around the village like wildfire – “this is a production not to be missed”. The Friday and Saturday performances were sell-outs, with a queue forming for any spare seats.
“Laying the Ghost” by Simon Williams is set in The Yew Tree Retirement Home on the south coast. It is the current home of two elderly actresses, Margot Buchanan, the witty and acerbic ex-wife of the famous actor Sir Leo Buchanan, and Freda Deacon, an eccentric lady with a love of naughty jigsaws and an unusual tendency to talk to ghosts. Things go haywire on the morning of Margot’s 70th birthday, when she receives a variety of unwanted guests and well-wishers.
The whole cast gave excellent performances without any of the upstaging and over-acting which can bedevil amateur productions. Both leads find themselves unexpectedly, and very amusingly, transported “to the other side” during the show. In Sue Clements and Mark Bamforth Grassington was fortunate to have two of the most experienced and talented actors in the area to handle these parts. They gave sparkling performances. Sue claimed this would be her swan song – forget it Sue !!
They were skilfully complemented by their colleagues, with Margaret Wilson providing the golden thread, tying the production together with an understated portrayal of Freda Deacon. Joan Whitaker contributed an overdue and gifted return to the boards, and Mandy Beckwith and Esme Binns were equally accomplished in taxing roles which easily could have become caricatures. As for Andrew Armstrong , suffice it to say his interpretation of an ageing Italian kissogram Superman will remain etched in the audience’s memories for many years.
The backstage and design team provided an excellent setting and helped to reinforce my view that in every department The Grassington Players are enjoying an exciting renaissance after some challenging years. This would not be possible without directors of the calibre of Jane Ellison-Bates whose intelligent interpretation of this very funny script enabled the audience to come away wanting more.
John Anderson
NODA (National Operatic & Dramatic Association) review:-
