Bart Players on stage at Drama Festival

Newry Drama Festival continues tonight with Lislea Dramatic Players (Non-Competing) performing Philip King's See How They Run. Tickets available at the door.

Last night’s production of One Man Two Guvnors performed by Bart Players is a righteous farce set in Brighton which in the words of adjudicator, Ailbhe-Garvey-Hughes has a plot which “almost defies description.” The play is a rich combination of high low comedy which poses a daunting task for performers as the rhythm of dialogue in performing farce is so much more difficult than ordinary comedy. Mrs Garvey Hughes found the set visually pleasing affording lots of space for the 13 actors on stage. She praised the costumes which captured the era the play was set in.   

The singers and musicians added much to the production and were “top notch.” They provided a great distraction during scene changes and the musical director Sandra Ardill was so proficient in her role. She felt however, that the music needed more careful timing. Songs needed to begin immediately the scene changes started, in order to maintain the pace of the production.

Overall Mrs Garvey -Hughes felt the lighting was good except at the top level of the stage when actors were sometimes in shadow. She offered very positive feedback on all individual performances.

Alfie played by Barney Gadd was a comical well disguised character. Gareth played by Rory McCadden was a very polished waiter, Harry Dangle played by Terry McDermott- created a very good impact, Pauline Clench played by Vivian Shephard had real energy and commitment and had a lovely voice.

Dolly played by Emma Townsend’s was a very well nuanced character and her dialogue was razor sharp. Rachael Crabbe played by Lynn Gordon found great balance in her role and Andrew Devonshire’s portrayal of Francis Henshall - a demanding role- was played with well -appointed timing. The director Gillian Porter provided good casting - accents were very secure, timing of lines was very sharp.

Mrs Garvey- Hughes concluded by thanking Bart Players for providing the audience with an opportunity to see wonderful farce.