Behind the Scenes Review by Keith Gallois
- Writer and Director Gina Keene certainly has a very good eye for the behind the scenes events of amateur theatre. Gina’s play concentrated on the committee and rehearsal side of a pantomime in the making. Those of you who have been involved in panto will certainly have recognised the type of events enacted, and like myself, could quite easily put names to some of the characters on the stage.
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- Well written and often very funny, this piece kept the audience entertained throughout. Act One, deciding upon the panto and the early disasters ensuing, introduced us nicely to a wide range of characters and the complexities of their relationships. For me, Mike Walters, playing the caretaker, Mr Harris, shone. What a talent Mr Walters is – a fine character actor and worth the admission price alone. Similarly, Terry Betterman as “Ladies man” Clive was a very believable character. Playing bossy Linda, Kristen Ellery made a fine HAmDramS debut. Confident and in command, Kristen gave a performance that she can be justifiably very proud of. Jess Garrett, playing Linda's love rival Rosie is certainly another young talent to watch out for.
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- In Act Two the story and action gained pace as the panto developed. Mike Walters and Robert Bush did a superb sand dance, whilst the panto horse had everyone in stitches. Gina should be congratulated for her introduction of the clown, who merely by walking on and walking off (admittedly with a slightly rude hand gesture) brought the house down. The same can be said for the “angel” scene (without the hand gesture that is), which was very well done. There were times when the pace could have been quicker in the first act, and maybe the scene changes were a little too long, but overall the play was very well directed and I would recommend Gina’s writing and direction to anyone.
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- I saw the play on both nights - enjoying it so much that I just had to come back. The audience numbers on both nights were very good and clearly and quite rightly, HAmDramS has a very good reputation. We should also mention the front of house staff - courteous, very friendly and well organised. In a lovely gesture HAmDramS has donated all raffle prize revenues from the event to the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit of Addenbrookes Hospital.
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- This was my first visit to a HAmDramS production, but certainly not my last. Congratulations to Gina, the cast and everyone involved. A couple of very good nights out indeed.
- Quote of the Play: >
- Mr Harris: "Oh, and Esme... I love you."
