THEATRE FESTIVAL 2013 – 2014 PLAYS SECTION Troy Players The Ghost of Canterville Hall Seen: 6th August 2014 THE PLAY An adaptation from a short story by Oscar Wilde first published in 1887 where Old English Nobility meets Modern American Values. This adaptation included two characters not mentioned in the original: the gypsies, and this inclusion added drama, colour and the opportunity for Sir Simon to enact the good deed necessary for his redemption. STAGE PRESENTATION A baronial hall with a realistic stone fireplace USC through which Sir Simon made his numerous exits and entrances. Arched doors and a mullioned window created the appearance of a centuries old building and the furnishings were shabby and aged. Two magnificent candlesticks adorned the fireplace and an ancient chest and a suit of armour were strategically placed US right and left. The pewter plates set on the mantelshelf were an authentic touch. The important carpet was laid centrally over a beautifully polished ‘wood floor’ and a small table with two chairs was set DSR. The secret panel worked well behind the hanging tapestry. Properties The laden tea and breakfast trays with shining silver and bone china were suitably ‘upper crust’, but was that sliced bread used for the toast? The all important blood stain was not easy to see from some parts of the auditorium. The troll’s mask was brilliant. The canvas luggage bags were convincing. The ‘ghost sheet’ was fun and used with great effect. Lighting The lighting at the beginning of the play was atmospheric and when low still permitted the audiences to observe faces. The effects of lightning were good and on cue and the ghostly effect at the window in scene one was most effective. Sound Thunder effects were good and the car and horse approaching from the distance worked well. The ghostly voices were very eerie and sinister. We found the rattling chains unconvincing, the sound coming from SR and not always synchronising with the movement of Sir Simon. Would it have been possible for him to have actually worn metal chains which could have been rattled?
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Costume Lady Canterville appeared graceful in her wine velvet gown with the pearls around her neck and Lord Canterville was dignified. It was sensible to dress Mrs Umney in grey rather than black. Virginia wore a beautiful red satin two piece, but we wondered whether she would have arrived on horseback wearing such a glamorous, immaculate gown? The gypsies were extremely colourful and showed imagination on the part of the Costume team. Betty’s skirt looked too much like a modern school skirt, not something worn at the turn of the last century, but Cecil and Bud’s costumes were more believable. Sir Simon wore convincing Tudor garments which were identical to those shown on his portrait hanging above the fireplace. Make up Make up was fine and Sir Simon had a greenish tinge to his features. STAGE DIRECTION A good pace was established from the start and the ghost at the window caused Lady Canterville to perform a most realistic faint. There was good reaction from Virginia when she first met Cecil p11, and Bud and Betsy made a lively search of their new home. Perhaps there was a little over-acting as Mrs Umney was explaining about the blood stain. The straight line as the family studied the stain on the rug was inevitable, but perhaps Cecil could have been placed slightly on the angle to allow the audience far stage left to see something of his face. The ghostly effect on Sir Simon’s entrance at the beginning of Act II was nicely done and the children reacted well when hiding and watching the ghost with the red ink. Their synchronised dialogue with Bud under the sheet was excellent. Perhaps Mr Otis would have been more forceful at his initial meeting with Sir Simon on p18, after all he had interrupted an unwelcome visitor breaking and entering his home and we expected to see much more anger. This would have made his eager presentation of his Rising Sun Lubricator an amusing contrast. Mrs Otis’ sympathetic treatment of the ghost was well done. The treatment of Sir Simon by the children was nicely timed and worked beautifully. The exchange between Sir Simon and Virginia had pace; we felt they were rapidly becoming good friends. The gypsy chase was well choreographed and the gypsies’ reaction to the ghost appeared genuine. The business of the entry into the dungeon was not as scary as the script would indicate; perhaps this was taken a little too slowly. Act 2 sc 2 opened well with the children relating their adventures of the previous night, but the search for Virginia was not convincing, and the pace dropped here. We noted Virginia’s dirty face on her re-entry from the dungeon, but her hands were immaculate! There was a lack of excitement as everyone listened to her story and examined Virginia’s beautiful necklace and the final scene was a little muted. Note: There was a black hat which remained on a chair DSL throughout Act 2, perhaps this was an oversight as we could not understand its purpose.
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INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES Mrs Umney This actress seemed to be having trouble keeping a consistent accent. We thought the interpretation was rather forced resulting in a caricature instead of a credible character. Lady Canterville This was a calm, poised, confident performance, she was every inch “the Lady”. We heard every word and totally believed in her. Lord Canterville This actor showed the right touch of nobility combined with the restrained demeanour of the English upper class. Mario What an exuberant performance with excellent movement and agility during the chase. Magda We were given a convincing performance with excellent reaction when confronting the ghost Sir Simon This performance was assured and this actor created “a lovable villain”. He quickly established rapport with the audience breaking the barrier of the fourth wall as required, but always remaining in character. Cecil This actor had a pleasant voice but more work on his projection would help him deliver a more rounded character. We were not always sure he believed in what he was saying but we admired his stillness when not actually speaking. Bud This actor worked well with Betsy and the obvious enjoyment the pair had with their mischief making was evident. Betsy We saw some very good work with the American accent from this actor and some quick picking up cues. Mr Otis We saw a likeable character but perhaps a self made American millionaire may have been more assertive. His eagerness to promote his inventions was very well portrayed. Mrs Otis This actor maintained a flawless accent throughout the performance and presented a most credible character as a wealthy American and concerned mother.
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Virginia This actress had excellent vocal projection and she developed a believable relationship with Sir Simon. Just occasionally she seemed to struggle a little with the accent. ENDEAVOUR, ORIGINALITY, AND ACHIEVEMENT This was an entertaining evening for all the family and was appreciated by your capacity audience. You deserved your full house. Thank you for inviting us back and for your usual warm welcome. Coral Pepper Dip RSA Wendy Jones ADB Moderating Adjudicators (Plays)
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