Updated
1/2/12
1/2/12
Nothing is what it seems - THE BOLTON NEWS REVIEW 31/3/2011
IT was an ambitious choice for first time director Benjamin Latham.
But he carried it off superbly supported by a very able cast.
At the Sign of the Crippled Harlequin by Norman Robbins is a comedy, thriller and ghost story all rolled into one – making for a challenging production.
And it needs a skilful director at the helm of this play, which relies on perfect timing, to pull it off.
Opening night nerves did not detract from the performance, although the whispering behind me from some members of the audience proved to be a most annoying distraction.
In a snowbound guest house in the picturesque Peak District, visitors gather to celebrate Christmas.
But this cosy idyllic scene is soon shattered thanks to guest Joan Reece, a brassy city girl, who does not quite fit in to the country way of living.
From here on nothing is what it seems.
Twists and turns at every corner soon ensue – so rapidly that- purposely - at times it is hard to keep up with the fast pace.
The quick and comical one-liners prompted much laughter from the audience and the delivery was next to perfect in the second half. To share those here would be to spoil the play.
Each cast member gave a convincing performance despite forgetting some lines. .
But it was the Reeces, played by Sharon Holstead and John Nolan that really stole the show. Even before appearing on stage, the couple were raising laughs among the audience.
Their acting and delivery of their lines was spot on throughout the play, with both giving a very polished performance.
The tension, littered with perfectly timed comedy elements, keeps the audience hooked right up until the shocking end.
It is not surprising a packed house left feeling very satisfied with Halliwell Theatre Company’s latest production.
At the Sign of the Crippled Harlequin runs until April 2.
Tickets are £6-00. Phone 01204 397336 or 01204 497165
Phone 01204 397336 0r 01204 497165 for tickets or more information
IT was an ambitious choice for first time director Benjamin Latham.
But he carried it off superbly supported by a very able cast.
At the Sign of the Crippled Harlequin by Norman Robbins is a comedy, thriller and ghost story all rolled into one – making for a challenging production.
And it needs a skilful director at the helm of this play, which relies on perfect timing, to pull it off.
Opening night nerves did not detract from the performance, although the whispering behind me from some members of the audience proved to be a most annoying distraction.
In a snowbound guest house in the picturesque Peak District, visitors gather to celebrate Christmas.
But this cosy idyllic scene is soon shattered thanks to guest Joan Reece, a brassy city girl, who does not quite fit in to the country way of living.
From here on nothing is what it seems.
Twists and turns at every corner soon ensue – so rapidly that-
But it was the Reeces, played by Sharon Holstead and John Nolan that really stole the show. Even before appearing on stage, the couple were raising laughs among the audience.
Their acting and delivery of their lines was spot on throughout the play, with both giving a very polished performance.
The tension, littered with perfectly timed comedy elements, keeps the audience hooked right up until the shocking end.
It is not surprising a packed house left feeling very satisfied with Halliwell Theatre Company’s latest production.
At the Sign of the Crippled Harlequin runs until April 2.
Tickets are £6-
Phone 01204 397336 0r 01204 497165 for tickets or more information