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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Anne Troman, Clair Tregellis and Liz Bennett with Thom Handley as Him, the friendly, neighbourhood randyman Interior Designs and The Regina Monologues
The Circle Players
Aldridge Youth Theatre
**** WOMEN rule in
this double bill staged by the talented Circle Players . . . well they
certainly dominate both plays –
Interior Designs,
by Jimmie Chinn, and
The Regina Monologues,
by Rebecca Russell and Jenny Wafer. The stories feature examples of men treating
women rather badly and appearing to get away with it, and are well
written with loads of humour and plenty of pathos. Seven women make up the cast, with two of them –
Clair Tregellis and Anne Troman - appearing in both tales, while only
one man, Thom Handley has a major role. In the opening comedy, Interior Designs, Thom is in sparkling form as ‘Him’, the arrogant, loud odd job man and serial womaniser whose motto is satisfaction guaranteed, and he is targeted by three very different women customers who all share the same problems – frustration and loneliness. Clair Tregellis is convincing as Holly, the
attractive, well-known TV newsreader, Anne Troman is a hoot as the
bubbly, common housewife, Amy, and Liz Bennett impresses as the single
teacher, Irene. When the odious odd-jobber wields his paint brush
halfway up his step ladder we see the clearly frustrated No scenery is required for the short play, and
the only props used are the decorator’s steps and three chairs. It is a
very funny play which could laughably be seen as a good recruiting prop
for eligible odd job men with plenty of stamina.
The second play,
The Regina Monologues,
certainly has a look of that hit show
The Vagina Monologues about it, when
the curtain opens to reveal six women spread across stage, sitting on
chairs, at a dressing table, or on the double bed which has a framed
photo of a ginger gent behind it. They are supposed to be the 21st century
equivalent of the long suffering wives of Henry VIII as they, in turn,
address the audience with stories of their personal problems of love and
longings, trauma and fear, humour and heartache – each having been
married to the same difficult man. There is never a dull moment as, after each woman
has revealed some of her secrets, they switch positions on stage
skilfully several times to tell more about their trials and tribulations
coping with the man of their (former) dreams. It works extremely well, with stunning
performances from Anne Troman (Cathy), Clair Tregellis (Annie), Beth
Howell (Jane), Jenny Culligan (Anna), Amy Tregellis (Katie) and Jean
Kerby (Katherine). Full marks to Carol Grice for her clever
direction of both plays. A very enjoyable night out, with food for
thought about male-female relations. To 24-10-15 Paul Marston
21-10-15 |
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women making various undisguised approaches to him – even hints that he
should, perhaps, decorate their bedrooms - but what comes with the bill?