ACT Reviews 2022-2023 Season

There was a good performance from Cat Sharples as Edith. She gave a measured, calm and dignified performance of a woman who is unfulfilled in her marriage and enters into a love affair with an unknown man, albeit through the writing of letters. The naïve, Anna, was well played by Sara Morgan. The character she developed brought excitement, innocence and hope that no matter what all was going to be fine. This was a nice contrast to the formal Victorian behaviours of the other characters, except for Sarah, the maid, played by Myrrh Goodwin. Rob Derry, who, until a week before, was part of the stage crew, gave a super performance of Charles. He was word perfect, off book and blended into the production with ease. An example of the old adage, “the show must go on”. Well done! The players succeeded in capturing the atmosphere of the 19th century through the dialogue and character development, and the set designed

by director, Anne Wint, added to this. From the potted plants decorating the front of stage to the highly decorated and furnished set, it all shouted opulence, money and success that one would expect from a successful family home. This was very easy on the eye and gave the actors a good space in which to

immerse their characters. The props, sourced by Pat Crosthwaite and Anne Wint, Grandfather clock, highly polished wooden tables and picture frames. helped secure the idea of Victoriana. Added to this was the servant bell pull, and on the desk, ink and stick pens to write the love tokens. The scene changes were slick and conducted by members of the stage team in costume and were nice to watch. It looked like a choreographed Part of the scenery for the play