DEATH IN HIGH HEELS
23rd November 2012
The Adrian Mann Theatre

‘I liked the set which was clean, open, fresh and very engaging. It gave a little perspective of various entrances and exits with a sufficient feel of money around the place to portray a successful business. It contained stage-width flats, a table and four chairs, a work table with three chairs, three offices, two internal doors, one set of stairs leading upstairs to ground level, a skylight window, a clothes rail, shelving, mirror, pictures, mannequins and an office desk. This attention to detail is what often stands WPDS apart from many other societies. The set design and set building team are to be congratulated…

…Congratulations to the directorial team of Hugh Jones and Sue Eacott for directing such a tight production. Hugh and Sue created an atmosphere which had a taste for extravagance but was well within the bounds of good taste. Technically it was all good and the costumes were altogether appropriate. The action flowed smoothly with all cast members appearing to be well rehearsed. Amongst the ladies, we were entertained by Patricia Davy as the successful and energetic ‘Irene Best’ adding another impressive performance to her growing portfolio. Harriet ‘Macaroni’ (dare I ask!) Kearsey was spot-on with her characterisation of ‘Rose McInerny’, being a slightly ineffectual individual. Often seen as the battle-axe or dry humoured operative, Diana Barton revelled in her slightly bitchy role as the loyal ‘Zelda Gregory’. Obvious glamour was provided by Sophie Mathieson as ‘Rachel Gay’ and Hayley Sponder was captivating and brought bubbliness and much fun to the part of ‘Aileen Wheeler’. Margaret Mason was the ambitious upwardly mobile employee who met her doom, ‘Caroline Doon. Kelly Fernandez showed a stiff upper lip and professionalism as Sergeant Lilian Wyler. It was very unusual for a lady to assume the role of Sergeant in those days (1937).

Amongst the men, we had some very different male characters who worked very effectively together. Hugh Jones convinced as the company’s main man ‘Frank Bevan’, who has the odd skeleton’ in his closet. Martin Phillips too as ‘Dorian Pouvier’ gave this effete character plenty of gravitas and no little amount of comedy. Daniel Webb gave an excellent performance in the role of ‘Inspector David Charlesworth and along with other new recruits looks like a real asset to the society…

…Judging by this production, it looks like it is onward and upward for Worcester Park Dramatic Society which pleases me very much.’

Review by: Stephen Macvicar