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Blue Remembered Hills    Fallen Angels    Play It Again Sam    The Accrington Pals    La Ronde    The Birthday Party    RolePlay

Blue Remembered Hills by Dennis Potter, Gulbenkian Theatre. Reviewed by Sian Napier, Kentish Gazette Actors show the darker side of childhood

DENNIS Potter's tale of the loss of childhood innocence in the hills and woodland of rural England during the Second World War throws some difficulties in the path of those taking on the roles of seven children.

It is not a question of the actors ust playing the parts of seven-year-olds - they have to almost become children if the audience's credibility in the story and the action unfolding on stage is to be maintained.

Fortunately Canterbury Players managed this and the acting from all seven was particularly strong with no weak links. Especially impressive were the facial expressions and exaggerated movements, which are so typical of children.

Although, on the face of it, a play about innocence, childhood and games, the play carries much deeper and thought provoking insights into the way children behave and why.

We see them at play, but their make-believe conversations are often a mirror image of those heard at home from their parents. And thoughout we are shown, by the children's behaviour, the way the human mind and emotions work and the sheer cruelty that can result. This is no romanticised view of childhood and this came over convincingly in the performances by all the actors - Sid Moon, James Newberry, Ed Clark, Laura Brown, Katherine Durio, John Rye and Samuel Stolton, who took on this difficult task and rose to the challenge.

Derek Standing's simple and effective set also worked well.

Sponsor:

CATHEDRAL GATE HOTEL: You too can rest where pilgrims did before Blenheim, the Boyne or even Bosworth were contested.This ancient and modern hotel provides city centre comfort from which to brave re-enactments from all ages, even unsettling ones like "The Birthday Party", assured in the knowledge that a hospitable welcome awaits you on return. Twisting passageways, low beams and just the occasional ghost lend drama to the experience, as do the stunning Cathedral and Buttermarket views. 27 well appointed rooms, Bow-Window restaurant and a cosy bar for that post-performance palliative. Prices from £22 per person (15% preferment) on presentation of the programme for "The Birthday Party".
Contact Cathedral Gate Hotel: 36 Burgate, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 464381 or email cgate@cgate.demon.co.uk

The Cathedral Gate Hotel have kindly handed their sponsor's tickets for "The Birthday Party" back to the Players, for use by drama students and others who might otherwise not have been able to attend.

Drunken rivals left audience captivated. Audiences at this "amoral and disgusting" play will find little to offend in the 21st century, but delicious frissons of sexual anticipation were gloriously maintained in this production. Despite two married friends' shared goal of rekindling passion with their mutual ex-lover Maurice, they were given distinctive individual personalities. Anne Hancox made Julia largely confident and serene, while Samantha Grant's Jane was highly strung and mildly hysterical. Of the supporting roles, Jim Ackhurst played Julia's husband Fred with gentle reasonableness; and Andreas Lowson as Willy (Jane's husband) reflected the suavity of Coward himself. Mark Smith as Maurice, tantalizingly appearing only in the final scene, gave the ex-lover all the Gallic charm needed for empathy with the besotted ladies and Jill Ackhurst's expressive facial and body language conveyed every nuance of the maid Saunders' contempt for the gentry. Derek Standing's early modernist set, Susanna Gerken's delightful costumes and Pip Piacentino's skilled direction all contributed to a stunning production. But the greatest acclaim belongs to Hancox and Grant for their outstanding performances as the two ladies whose transformation from sophisticated wives to hilariously drunken rivals so captivated everybody. Click to enlarge

Noel Coward's "Fallen Angels" performed by The Canterbury Players at Whitstable Playhouse Reviewed by: Delia Dengeon. Kentish Gazette. Thursday March27, 2008.

OUR SPONSORS FOR "FALLEN ANGELS" WERE:.

Jesters.com

PH Accountancy.

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Woody Allen's "Play it again, Sam."

Playing it again for the laughs.

Review by Elaine Godden, for the Kentish Gazette, 06 December, 2007.

RELUCTANT hero Allan Felix "plays again" scenes from his recent past and rehearsals of his anticipated future in this comedy play.

Scraps of both interrupt the action and reflect his vivid imagination, richly fed by the films he constantly watches, especially those of Humphrey Bogart.

It's no coincidence that Allan' name echoes the surname of the playwright Woody Allen, wonderfully captured in this production by Pip Piacentino, encapsulating Allen's personality, by turn self-deprecating and Bogartesque.

Playing opposite Pip was Anne Hancox as his best friend's wife Linda, conveying warmth and sympathy in every movement and facial expression.

And Andreas Lowson was suitably smooth as Dick, Linda's husband.

Derek Standing's set was eye-catching, as were Susana Gerken's costumes - and humorous too.

The lighting might have dealt better with the various imaginary appearances, but such a slight shortcoming did not detract from the colourful, hilarious and undoubted success of this production.

From JM, audience member: The play went very well I thought and I was very impressed with the set. I think a really good level of detail went into it and all concerned should be proud of their efforts.

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Our Spring 2007 Production was "The Accrington Pals".

Directed by Pip Piacentino and performed on 19, 20 & 21 April, 2007 @ The Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury.

Would YOU like to tell us what you thought about the production? Please click HERE.

Peter Whelan's "The Accrington Pals" The Canterbury Players Gulbenkian Theatre

Reviewed by: Elaine Godden. Kentish Gazette.

"A world of women at war."

The effect of the First World War on a close knit group of women in a Lancashire mill town is the focus of the play.

Peter Whelan's somewhat laborious setting out of their various situations and his exploration of their frustration in the face of misinformation, as well as their anxiety and grief, takes considerable time, contrasting with the following act's shattering drama.

May, an ambitious stall holder is tortured by shame because of her love for a young lodger who has now become a man. Her narrow upbringing adds guilt to her confused emotions and she lets him go off to war, without consummating their passion.

Sarah Gooch played May with harrowing conviction and Ed Clark as the idealistic, fresh faced Tom, reacted realistically with alternating exasperation and tenderness. As the hideous, snarling ghost at the end of the play, he was equally as compelling.

The most powerful acting was from Sharon Gair as Annie, despite some awkwardness as she manhandled her son, Reggie. As the bitter wife of the naive and gentle Arthur her twisted features, spat out lines and final, anguished breakdown, were disturbing to watch.

Josh Bushell as Reggie, and Jim Akhurst playing Arthur, were convincingly sensitive in their roles.

In Ralph's last letter from the Somme, to his lover Eva, Mark Smith demonstrated spiritual and physical agony, while Eva's early loyal, later ambivalent relationship with May, were portrayed with warmth and perception by Dee Neligan.

Louise Gibbins gave uninhibited realism, candour and dry humour to her role as Sarah, and Victoria Pym as Bertha was charmingly young and gauche.

Sergeant Major Rivers was played with unusual sympathy and a commanding presence by Mike Rivarno.

Derek Standing's sets were professional and worked faultlessly, and the special effects of smoke and thundering guns gave a terrifying reality to the scenes at the Battle of the Somme.

This was a resoundingly successful production of a play that could, without the company's dramatic skills, have floundered in the first act.

Joint sponsors for "The Accrington Pals": UK Home Insulation helping to save the planet from climate change. Grants available.

Uber JUICE Fine apple juice from Kentish orchards

"La Ronde"

Our 2006 Autumn Production was an adaption by John Barton, of the Arthur Schnitzler Play : "La Ronde".

The play was directed by Brian Jones and presented at The Whitstable Playhouse, 23, 24 & 25 November, 2006.

Players break boundaries. Arthur Schnitzler's portrayal of a cycle of sexual adventures has only in recent years been considered an acceptable challenge in interpretation. In the Canterbury Players' production, its 10 short scenes rolled along smoothly, for as each finished, its actors adjusted the scenery before retiring to chairs at the back of the stage and watching what followed, obeying a dominating but seductive Presenter, played in a variety of costumes, by Danielle Neligan. The action, despite its common theme of liaisons, was composed of widely differing situations and several stood out because of the dramatic qualities of the players. Foremost was Sally Parker as Ilse, the Sweet Girl. Olivia Jubber as the unfaithful Young Wife was not only consistently funny in her dishonest dealings with both lover and husband, but she brought out the potential of the actor who played Alfred, the Young Gentleman (Howard Thomas), who had been slightly wooden hitherto. Michael Ayris, the Husband, was convincingly both debauched and vulnerable; the Poet Mike Rivarno's chief quality was his beautiful voice, while Andreas Lowson, as Count Steinemanger, carried off his rather formal approach to love with effectively cool restraint. Sarah Gooch as the Actress was incongruously religious. Other members of the cast were only slightly less convincing in their roles and each had credible qualities: Louise Gibbins' Prostitute's sullen resentment, Sam Terry's Parlourmaid's resigned sadness, Mark Smith's Soldier's callous but sexy disregard. This was an adventurous undertaking and the Players once again exhibited their exhilirating grasp of a challenge and professional skills in realising its success. Click to enlarge

Arthur Schnitzler's "La Ronde" The Canterbury Players Whitstable Playhouse Reviewed by: Elaine Godden. Kentish Gazette.

OUR MAIN SPONSOR FOR "LA RONDE" WAS DUKES KITCHEN.

More sponsors for La Ronde

See the sponsors page for details on becoming a sponsor, supporter or patron.

DIGITAL VIDEO TRAINING: dv-training is a company providing a completely fresh approach to digital video training.  Our trainers are industry professionals in all fields and courses are based on twenty years of experience in designing training programmes for major TV stations around the world. Our objective is to promote the highest standards in dv production for media practitioners. Courses  all take place in London, are informal and presented through an enjoyable and relaxed mixture of hands on learning, combined with a variety of practical exercises relevant to the needs of each individual delegate.
Contact: 0845 226 5349

Digital Video Training have kindly handed their sponsor's tickets for "La Ronde" back to the Players, for use by drama students and others who might otherwise not have been able to attend.

INTERNET MARKETING KENT LTD. The Old Sorting Office, 70c High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BB
Website provision and maintenance, effective internet marketing campaigns. http:/www.i-m-k.co.uk
Contact: 01227 281611

Harold Pinter. "The Birthday Party".

27, 28, 29 April 2006, at the Gulbenkian Theatre.

Harold Pinter's "The Birthday Party" The Canterbury Players Gulbenkian Theatre

Reviewed by: Elaine Godden. Kentish Gazette.

PARTY DESRVED MORE GUESTS.

PINTER is a challenging undertaking for any company; this cast of the The Birthday Party met it confidently from the outset on a drab, late-50s set.

Pinter's characteristically empty dialogue between the frumpish, middle-aged seaside couple played convincingly by Patrick Folkard and Sarah Gooch, was interrupted by their boorish lodger and the plot - disquieting but never quite explicit - began to unfold.

Elements of the characters' personality, particularly the sullen resentfulness of Stanley about his predicament, evolving into agoraphobia, sexual disgust and paranoia (albeit ultimately justified), were the stuff of the drama, not wholly dependent on the indeterminate nature of the plot, which was left to the audience to interpret.

Philip Gittins, as Stanley, looked the part in his grubby pyjama jacket and his facial expressions were eloquent. Later, persecuted by the two "guests" to his unwanted birthday party, his distress was palpable and poignant.

Harriet Kemsley as Lulu gave a charming portrayal of her enigmatic character.

James Newberry and Charlie Jubber, as Goldberg and McCann, entered with tangible menace and retained it in their dealings with the other characters.

Both were convincing but Jubber, with his economy of movement, expression, his apparent gentleness and his tactiturnity, was especially sinister.

All-in-all this was a thoughtful, successful production.

Elaine Godden.

MAJOR SPONSOR: Harold Pinter's "The Birthday Party" was sponsored by: The Phoenix: A fine real ale public house. From the CAMRA "Good Beer Guide, 2006". (The Phoenix also appeared 2003, 2004 and 2005 and is one of the few Canterbury pubs to do so) "Cosy corner pub where cricket memorabilia abounds - the pub is very handy for the county ground. A continuously changing range of three or four guest beers come from all over the UK. A popular beer festival is staged in December. Fun quiz nights are held on Wednesday. Good value food is available during opening hours but not after 4pm on Thursdays." The Phoenix Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent. www.thephoenix-canterbury.co.uk

Patrons of the Players, for Harold Pinter's "The Birthday Party".

See the sponsors page for details on becoming a sponsor, supporter or patron.

DIGITAL VIDEO TRAINING: dv-training is a company providing a completely fresh approach to digital video training.  Our trainers are industry professionals in all fields and courses are based on twenty years of experience in designing training programmes for major TV stations around the world. Our objective is to promote the highest standards in dv production for media practitioners. Courses  all take place in London, are informal and presented through an enjoyable and relaxed mixture of hands on learning, combined with a variety of practical exercises relevant to the needs of each individual delegate.
Contact: 0845 226 5349

Digital Video Training have kindly handed their sponsor's tickets for "The Birthday Party" back to the Players, for use by drama students and others who might otherwise not have been able to attend.

CATHEDRAL GATE HOTEL: You too can rest where pilgrims did before Blenheim, the Boyne or even Bosworth were contested.This ancient and modern hotel provides city centre comfort from which to brave re-enactments from all ages, even unsettling ones like "The Birthday Party", assured in the knowledge that a hospitable welcome awaits you on return. Twisting passageways, low beams and just the occasional ghost lend drama to the experience, as do the stunning Cathedral and Buttermarket views. 27 well appointed rooms, Bow-Window restaurant and a cosy bar for that post-performance palliative. Prices from £22 per person (15% preferment) on presentation of the programme for "The Birthday Party".
Contact Cathedral Gate Hotel: 36 Burgate, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 464381 or email cgate@cgate.demon.co.uk

The Cathedral Gate Hotel have kindly handed their sponsor's tickets for "The Birthday Party" back to the Players, for use by drama students and others who might otherwise not have been able to attend.

MERRYGARDENS FLORISTS: Drama queens take note - insist on the recognition you deserve in the shape of our traditional bouquets, hand ties and presentations which only a highly trained florist can accomplish. Our flowers come fresh from Holland markets and local nurseries and so last and last. Impressarios, lovers, apologists and "just friends": those wilting supermarket and garage flat-packs just won't stand up. For the result you want only the real thing will do and we deliver it right to her door or dressing room. Covering East Kent (and the world). 15% snipped off when you display your programme from "The Birthday Party".
Contact MERRYGARDENS FLORISTS: 96 High Street, DEAL. Tel 01304 374228.

Merrygardens Florists have kindly handed their sponsor's tickets for "The Birthday Party" back to the Players, for use by drama students and others who might otherwise not have been able to attend.

ENCOUNTERS: For cooking courses. At Encounters, our one-day cookery courses, covering various specialities and using fresh, local and where possible, organic ingredients, are provided near to Canterbury in Kent.
Contact: Encounters, Garden House, Chillenden, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1YA.
Tel/Fax: (01304) 841136

TREE-GATE: Tree-gate provide a range of speciality teas, produced from trees and plants with medicinal properties, both for drinking and for bathing in. Not only that, but for every 10 packets sold, they plant a new tree, and being Kent based, many of those are in Kent itself. They also donate 50p to The Woodland Trust for each 10 packets sold. So, if you'd like to try something new - and help Tree-gate to improve your local environment - please try their lovely products.
Contact: +44(0) 1304 824190 / 823602
Mobile: +44(0)77886 196855

INTERNET MARKETING KENT LTD. The Old Sorting Office, 70c High Street, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1BB
Website provision and maintenance, effective internet marketing campaigns. http:/www.i-m-k.co.uk
Contact: 01227 281611

Internet Marketing Kent Ltd have kindly handed their sponsor's tickets for "The Birthday Party" back to the Players, for use by drama students and others who might otherwise not have been able to attend.

Our thanks too, for help with props:

John Frost Newspapers and Data Reprographics (Telephone 01784 243996), for the reprint of an original 1950's newspaper used in the production.

Alan Ayckbourn's "RolePlay"

Directed by Rani Innes and performed on 01, 02 & 03 December, 2005, @ The Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury, Kent.

16th December 2005. Reviewed by: Elaine Godden. Kentish Gazette.

Review by Michael Pilcher of the BBC Click HERE for Michael Pilcher's complete review.

Excerpt of the review by Michael Pilcher, BBC.

The Canterbury Players performed each of their characters impeccably, with Ed Clark’s Justin someone you can truly emphasise with.

Some of the situations may be far-fetched, but the story is well written, funny – wickedly so at times – and makes for a thoroughly engaging piece.

Below, review by Elaine Godden, Kentish Gazette.

Regarding the set:

".... Docklands flat, brilliantly designed by Derek Standing, in which the play was set."

And the production:

"Sally Parker must have subdued a large chunk of herself to play the neurotic frump Julie-Ann so convincingly, yet at the same time win sympathy in her futile psychological battle against Paige, the hard faced tart.

"Emily Rosen ably revealed the complexities of Paige's character; adaptability in an impossible social situation, catty flashes of temper and an underlying vulnerability which seemed at first to exist only in Justin's imagination.

"Anne Hancox, as his [Justin's] mother Arabella, was magnificent, the middle aged but stunning alcoholic whose outrageous, batty behaviour contributed so much to the demise of her son's relationship with his fiancee.

"Tony Johnson and Irene Marley were hilarious as Julie-Ann's parents; two provincial bigots ultimately succeeding in conducting their daughter's life.

"Above all, Mike Rivarno, playing Mickey, almost dominated the stage with his menacing near silence, but his masterful acting also betrayed the aggressive inadequacy of Mickey's character ("I don't eat foreign!") and finally gave him the humanity which allowed Paige her freedom.

"Ayckbourn's drama is typically, more than a riotous comedy. An unerring psychological insight which works alongside the crazy actions of his dysfunctional characters and this production was hugely successful in provoking thought as well as providing entertainment."

Audience response:

"We enjoyed RolePlay so much, please let us know of your next productions."
RM.

"Brilliant, haven't laughed so much in a very long time."
MCS.

"I wanted to hit you - the way you treated Justin!"
Response from member of the audience on the night, to "Julie-Ann".

Canterbury Players would also like to thank all those other Members and
associates who have indirectly helped to make this production possible, especially:

RolePlay's MAJOR SPONSOR: St. Christophers School An independent Co-educational day school and nursery for 3 - 11 years. New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent. Sponsor for Alan Ayckbourn's "RolePlay", December 2005 "Where the needs of the child come first."