The Anniversary |
By Bill Macllwraith
Directed by John Kelland
Peformed on Thursday 18 - Saturday 20 March 2004 at Pentyrch Village Hall
NODA Review
of 'The Anniversary' This was the first opportunity I have had to see our recently affiliated Hilltop Theatre Company perform at the Pentyrch Village Hall, in March, and had a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting evening. A monster, matriarchal mother gathers her family to celebrate her wedding anniversary, albeit that her husband died some years ago. Dysfunctional is too mild a word for this family who regard the annual event with horror and apprehension at the vicious tongue lashing and humiliation they will inevitably experience from mum. Young, rebellious tom, played with drive by Richard Jones, arrives to confront the martinet with his pregnant fiance, Shirley, in a strong and spirited performance by Menna Davies. Brother Terry intends to announce his imminent departure from the family building firm to escape to Canada with his tolerant and long suffering wife and family. Good performances by Steve Williams and Sian Davies, and then there was poor bachelor Henry, with an unfortunate peccadillo for ladies lingerie, nicely underplayed by Phil Davies, to complete this unfortunate family. It all sounds doom and gloom but with the vitriolic, acerbic humour generated by a dominating and sterling performance by Ruth Crowder as mum, the laughs came cascading. I saw the first night (which was not very kind of me) and there were a few gremlins around but it was obvious that the pace would tighten and that the play would become settled and secure. On a small stage the set was excellent and the lighting and effects well done. Welcome and congratulations to Hilltop. I look forward to future visits. Reviewed by Franks Wooles. Cast Shirley Menna Davies Tom Richard Jones Henry Phil Davies Terry Steve Williams Karen Sian Davies Mum Ruth Crowder
Production Team Producer/Director John Kelland Assistant Director Chris Leach Directors Assistant Mary Hampson Stage Manager Wayne Brewer Assistant Stage Manager Rhys Stapleton Lighting Wayne Brewer Sound Tracy Richards Properties Rhys Stapleton, Paul Hill, Nathan Brown Business Manager Ros Jones House Manager Bob Petersen Front of House Members / Friends of Hilltop Bar Manager John Major Box Office Brenda Slaughter
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