“the event has become a kind of deconstructed theatre form, with high quality casts and directors attached to each low budget production”
Writers able to fund their own shows are unlikely to be the most deserving of exposure so Suzette Coon’s talent showcase is invaluable. It’s also a rich experience for audiences. Far from the dour-sounding ‘Reading session’ billed, the event has become a kind of deconstructed theatre form, with high quality casts and directors attached to each low budget production.
The night’s six works, chosen from six hundred, begin with a comedy that dredges laughs from the low wage economy. ‘Sandwiches’ by Clare Reddaway shows life on the sandwich production line, with three tightly written acts squeezing in erotic sandwich fillings, a villain with a whistle played by Nigel Fyfe and a showdown at the industry’s ‘Sarnies’ awards.
Two women also see off an obnoxious male in the second of the night’s comedies, ‘Body Language’ by Sarah Pitard. Stefan Menaul draws howls of recognition as the excruciating, self-obsessed Tom, hitting on Katrina (Amy Reitsma) while she is trying to read up on cancer. Both his monologue and that of the eavesdropping Susan (Meaghan Martin), a cancer survivor, are fluent, funny and fierce.
Most of the plays carry a message about modern life but the exception is ‘Bothy’ by Ben Rogers, a tale of two men taking refuge in the Scottish hills. Callum is a jolly, yet strangely sinister local handyman; Andrew is a claims manager up from Croydon. The economy of the script and the way it keeps the audience guessing as to the motives of Callum display a rare gift of scene-writing, heightened further by the performances and direction. (David Beatty, Adam Mirsky and Imogen Wyatt Corner, respectively).
‘Humane’ follows, by Polly Creed, reviving a forgotten news story about Essex locals who face down riot police to end live exports of animals. Absolved of the need for visual dramatics, this work is liberated by the format, as Georgia Nicholson sits facing the audience, relating her character’s story with obdurate humanity.
Little happens in ‘Becoming’ by Trevor Kaneswaran, just a few quiet moments in the life of Praveen, who rejects his Sri Lankan roots as he slopes home from football and exchanges monosyllables with his Mum like any British teen. Once his uncle arrives Praveen understands more about who he is and takes up cricket. Slow, filmic, even in this basic form, and elevated by Akshay Gulati’s perfectly pitched delivery.
The choice for finale is Chantelle Dusette’s Windrush tale, ‘Where de Mangoes Grow’. A simple but eloquent poem spliced through with a montage of scenes, moments and recordings, yet it conveys an entire era of betrayal. Exquisite performances from all, but Reece Pantry’s slow acceptance of loss is impossibly moving.
Beautifully curated, and with all six plays and their casts giving a glimpse of some eye-catching talents, the ‘Little Pieces of Gold’ enterprise is well-named.
“Richard Albrecht’s portrayal of Kris Kringle is absolutely spot-on I refuse to believe he isn’t actually Santa Claus”
Do you believe in Santa Claus? Experience Guy Retallack’s production of this festive tale and I have no doubt that you will.
The show is framed as a radio play within a play, with the six actors seated in a row at the back of the stage. Set in a recording studio the cast shares two microphones at the front, but this does not cause the performers to become static. In fact, their ability to weave around each other and perform energetic numbers around the microphone stands is what makes the show so uniquely entertaining.
The creative team have achieved so much with what is on face value, so little in terms of staging a Christmas spectacle. Props (Fiona Martin) are minimal and used mainly to indicate changes in character or provide “radio” sound effects. There are clever touches like a flashing ‘ON AIR’ sign and a station logo on the backdrop. Lighting (Joseph Ed Thomas) is used well to transition between busy scenes and more intimate conversations.
It’s hard to pick a standout member of the cast when everyone’s performances were of such a high standard. Richard Albrecht’s portrayal of Kris Kringle is absolutely spot-on I refuse to believe he isn’t actually Santa Claus. Jamie Ross deserves high praise for his role as the Announcer and as the Musical Director. He narrates, provides sounds effects and musical accompaniment, with a voice and mannerisms so period appropriate he seems to have stepped out of a time machine and on to the stage. Lowenna Melrose (Doris Walker) and Ellis Dackombe (Fred Gailey) are powerful performers with excellent chemistry as the romantic leads. All the cast members take on more than one role, with Amy Reitsma delivering a wide range of characters with equal brilliance.
The musical numbers were impressive and helped to quicken the pace of a dialogue heavy piece. Carols are given a 1940s makeover with original songs provided by Jon Lorenz. Emily Carewe’s (Susan Walker) rendition of a number about believing in Kris Kringle is a particularly touching moment.
Personal highlights were the West-Side Story inspired version of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ during a tense confrontation scene, the 1940s-esque radio adverts for local businesses (shout-out to the Bluebelle Café!), and a musical ode to the US Postal service.
A perfect balance of heart-warming and entertaining, this show was so brilliant I forgot it wasn’t actually being transmitted to the nation!
Reviewed by Ella McCarron
Photography by Nick Rutter
Miracle on 34th Street
is at the Bridge House Theatre until 23rd December
