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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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Secret of a woman of no substance
Dead wife Ruby, played by Marika Farr, is a hard woman to pin down these days for husband Edward, played by Alex Forty Ghost Writer The Nonentities Rose Theatre, Kidderminster **** THE NONENTITIES opened their latest
season at Kidderminster Rose, themed on things that go bump in the
night, with Ghost Writer by local playwright David Tristram. The play opened to some spoof spooky music into
the very cleverly designed bedsit of writer Edward, played by Alex
Forty. Edward has had writers block for last year since the tragic death
of his wife/actress Ruby. Performing lines from Hamlet it looks as though
Edward is about to do himself in until his camp landlord Alex (played by
Andy Marlow) storms in looking for the gin cupboard. After discovering that the gun he intended to use
to shoot himself is in fact a stage prop Edward decides to turn in for
the night, but little does he know who is about to pay him a visit. Our wordless writer discovers that his wife was
actually murdered and as the play unfolds he must ascertain who dunit
- and you never know he may just get a new play out of it as a bonus! The construction team for the Nonentities has
created some very clever special effects which are most impressive. It
is top tip stuff - keep your eye on the picture of his wife! Ghost writer is directed by Lynn Ravenhill who
took this challenging script for amateurs and created an excellent
production. Act 1 did take a little time to get going (although still
enjoyable) but act 2 really did pack a punch with some very comical
moments. Alex Forty as Edward and Marika Farr as his
ghostly wife Ruby both made a solid effort in their roles. Their lines
had to be delivered at quite a pace while allowing time for the humour
to be absorbed by the audience, which they both did well. Andy Barlow as camp landlord Alex had most of the
best and delivered them brilliantly - his performance was faultless
throughout! Good supporting performances also came from
Harriet Poultin as potential love interest Glenda, Carolyn Brinton as
Frances and David Wakeman as Hedley - whose wig really was the worst
thing I have ever seen in a show, good job that was the whole point! I believe this production will get better and
better throughout the week and is well worth a watch! Running time 2 hours with a 20 minute interval.
To 15-09-12 Eva Easthope |
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