NEWS

Brush With A Body
23^rd November 2013
Adrian Mann Theatre, Nescot

…As the society continues to go and grow from strength to strength and the dynamics of the society are changing, I thought this was a good choice of play. There was a full range of characters on show and a good mix of age ranges for your actors to enjoy in this 1960’s comedy.

I liked the set which was clean, open, fresh and very engaging…The attention to detail was impressive – it was not sumptuous as in some previous productions but reflected the standing of the family and the period they were in. The set design and set building team are to be congratulated.

The play itself is a bit of a slow burner, as many are, whilst characters and events are established…It does gain momentum over the three acts as events unravel and this turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable production. It is lovely to see the integration of new younger members and the more established members playing fabulous character parts. It was particularly lovely to see Hugh Jones play a common man again after many loftier roles. It was the Irish worker and his interaction with various members of the family (and a significant amount of the good stuff) that produced most of the humour as well as the absurdity of the body being found up the chimney.

Congratulations to Patricia Dale for directing such a tight and entertaining production. All characterisations were big but stayed within the realms of plausibility. Technically it was all good except for a fleeting moment when Henry had to shout “Lights Malcolm, Lights”. The costumes and props were altogether appropriate and I particularly liked Sybil’s lovely red suit and shoes. The play was well produced and stage managed by Malcolm Stephens and David Wiggins (and his stage crew). The action flowed smoothly with all cast members appearing to be well rehearsed…We were entertained by Harriet Kearsay as Sarah Walling. Kelly-Ann Fernandes as Cynthia Walling, Yvonne Black as Mrs D’Arcy, Patricia Davy as the effervescent Sybil Walling with support coming from Margaret Mason as Det Sgt Hardy (did they have lady Det Sgts in the 1960s?), Hayley Sponder as Rosita Hernandez and Sophie Mathieson as The Hon. Pamela Colefax – each contributed greatly to the success of the production. Our male participants came in the form of four characters. Hugh Jones was a triumph as the Irish worker Flaherty who made himself feel right at home. Daniel Webb is every inch the leading man and was very easy to watch in his portrayal as everyman Henry Walling. Martin Phillips nicely portrayed Paul Martell and Patrick Morrison put his own spin on Constable Bray.

Judging by this production, it looks like it is onward and upward for WPDS which pleases me very much. This could well be a contender for a NODA drama nomination later in the year.

 
Steve Macvicar
NODA Rep

Production photographs from our recent production of ‘Brush With A Body’ are now available to view!

View image gallery

Brush With A Body
21 – 23 November 2013

Online ticket sales for Brush With A Body will be available from Monday 9th September

The Box Office will open on Saturday 14th September

Tickets & Info

Our next production will be

Brush With A Body
A comedy by Maurice McLaughlin
21 – 23 November 2013

The fantastic comedy Brush With A Body will be directed by Patricia Dale, who also directed our last production ‘Daughter Of The Left Hand’. There will be a play reading taking place on the 30th of July and promotional material will be available towards the end of August.

Award nominations were made by our regional Noda representative Steve Macvicar.

We were nominated for
The Shinfield Players Scenic Award for our set for Daughter of the Left Hand

It is also a pleasure to announce that our chairman Hugh Jones has received
The Flame Award for District 3
“For Inspirational Contribution to the Pursuit of Excellence in Theatre”.

This is the Citation Steve Macvicar sent to NODA appointing Hugh as the recipient of this years Flame award:

I have been attending dramatic productions presented by Worcester Park Dramatic Society twice a year for the past thirteen years and in that time the standards achieved by the society have improved year on year.

This is in no small part played by the recipient of this award namely Hugh Jones.

Hugh has been instrumental to this success in many different forms. As Chairman for much if not all that period Hugh has guided the good ship WPDS along during some rocky times when recruitment of the younger generation was almost impossible and in addition the society’s normal performance venue was unavailable for a period of time.

Not only in leadership is Hugh to be commended but he also assists with Set Design and Set Building for each and every production. If that wasn’t enough Hugh is involved in every production either as a Director, as an accomplished actor or on some occasions both. I’m sure he carries out many other duties for the society of which I’m not aware.

It is my pleasure to present this year’s Flame Award for NODA London District Three to Hugh Jones of Worcester Park Dramatic Society.

Daughter of the Left Hand
20 April 2013
Adrian Mann Theatre, Nescot
Review by: Steve Macvicar

Worcester Park Dramatic Society (WPDS) decided to perform another Norman Holland play after the society’s success with “The Militants” of two years ago and what a good choice it proved to be. I gather from your programme notes that this production was not without its setbacks and the best complement I can pay is to say that as an audience member you would not have noticed.

It has become a regular thing to say at WPDS shows that the set was fantastic – and it was. Amongst the five flats covering the width of the stage was a pleasant perspective of gardens and a genuine feel of money around the place with many sumptuous pieces of furniture on display over the large performance space. There were several dressed tables, two sofa chairs, chez longue, writing table, double doors, various pictures and assorted lights helped beautifully dress the set. The bell caused a little hint of trouble as actor and off-stage assistant couldn’t quite get in sync! Congratulations to all involved, it really makes such a difference when the scenery is both practical and realistic.

The play itself is neither a thriller nor a pot-boiler but it does deal with issues that are still relevant today although more prudent in 1903 when the play is situated…  …The influx of new members to the ranks has certainly revitalised the society. Some new members came in played support roles, others leads but each has brought something fresh to the society and long may this continue. It will also help the society extend its breadth of potential plays should the society wish it.

Congratulations to Patricia Dale for directing such a tight production. Her cast were on top form. I must also mention the costumes which were excellent. From Harriet’s full length grey skirt to Louisa’s salmon attire to Mildred’s light salmon suit to Nancy’s petrol blue dress suit to finally James’s red waistcoat and grey suit – all were breath-taking. I had a slight issue with the lighting. There were moody pools of lighting but lots and lots of gaps which meant we lost faces from time to time. A general lifting of the level would have sufficed. A minor issue in what was a very entertaining production.

I have written a few notes on the principal line up; (in programme order)

Maggie Walters – Brenda Denison
There was more than a touch of Mrs Danvers about Brenda’s portrayal which I loved and would have liked to have seen more of if the part had allowed.

Rev Randall Cooper – Des Wilby
Des made his society debut and was suitably pious and meek as our Rev Randall.

Harriet Hallam – Lynda Mitchell
This was a strong performance from Lynda. It’s a tough part to play from what I could see but Lynda coped admirably.

Louisa Hallam – Hayley Sponder
This was a lovely part for Hayley to play and she brought some very welcome humour to the proceedings from time to time.

Mildred Drew – Angelica Diaz
Angelica is another new face to the society and on the evidence of this performance, we have much to look forward to.

James Hallam – Daniel Webb
Daniel is a really talented ‘find’ for the society. He is very natural on stage and played a completely different character to that of the previous show, thus showing range.

Rex Hallam – Hugh Jones
Hugh has been seen in perhaps more challenging roles in the past but he continues to highly impress with his consistency in tackling leading men.

Lily – Sue Pither
A nice cameo from the last of our intrepid ‘newbies’ – very well done

Nancy – Harriet Kearsay
Harriet is settling into the society nicely and has now played a number of meaningful roles to a high standard.

Victoria Kemp-Collet – Yvonne Black
It was lovely to see Yvonne back on stage again and has become a real audience favourite…

… Thank you for inviting me to the Adrian Mann Theatre and I look forward to your next production in November.

Fantastic shot of the slap from Daughter of the Left Hand, perfectly captured by our photographer David Alcorn.

Well done Harriet for not flinching or moving an inch before it; very difficult when you know it’s coming.

View Daughter of the Left Hand gallery

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