Snake in the Grass, April 2009
This was another very entertaining evening for me with Edenbridge Players. I was quite interested to see how it would compare with the version I saw the day before, performed by a different company!
The ensemble acting was very good throughout; Julia Bennett as Miriam Chester, the oppressed stay-at-home, was very convincing in her fey portrayal. Alison Powell made a convincing contrast as her more practical sister Annabel, while Michelle Ward as the “outsider” finished off the trio with aplomb. The unfolding revelations character and plot were carried off extremely well. The pace of the play was just right, with a good complement of humour, as well as some genuine surprises.
The overall technical levels were as good as I have come to expect; the limitations of the venue are regularly transcended. In this instance, the set was a real star from the off; the section of tennis court, believable garden and summer house area really let us think the play was outside. Well done to the design team of Steve Lukas, Ulli Lukas, and Stewart Currie. The building of it must have been no mean feat either - well done to Steve Lukas, Stewart Currie, and Matt Currie. The atmospheric ambience was enhanced by the very effective lighting (Jesse Cooper), and the believable and timely sound effects (Lee Ward).
Wardrobe (Deborah Daly and Janet Cooper) was also effective and convincing, well complemented by the restrained and effective Make-up and Hair (Carole Ore and Doreen Clark). Properties (Isobel Currie and Yvonne Hum) were also unobtrusive, and therefore more believable.
Director and Producer (Carole Ore and Jesse Cooper respectively) are both to be congratulated on a really first class production, worthy of a venue with far more facilities. Top this off with the normal friendly welcome from the front of house team, and this was a very good value evening out.
It is always a pleasure to be involved with a company so keen to learn and improve dramatic standards.
Many thanks for the invitation; I am eagerly awaiting your next offering.