THE Canterbury Players have come up with something different.
It is When We are Married, a classic comedy by J. B. Priestley and a triumph both for them and director, Ann Robinson
Even before the play starts, the audience gasp with appreciation at the set. It echoes your typical Victorian Drawing Room complete with chaise longues and Windsor chairs .
We follow the relationships between three couples in Clecklewyke, Yorkshire, as they prepare to celebrate a joint silver wedding.
They were all married on the same day in the same chapel where they shared joint wedding photos. They’re all excited about having a similar picture taken for the local newspaper showing them celebrating their silver wedding anniversaries
That is until they get the news that the presiding minister was unauthorised to conduct weddings thus rendering their nuptials null and void
Oh, the shame of discovering they have lived in sin for 25 years!.
And are they really as devoted to their partners as first appears? Soon their real feelings are revealed
Alderman Helliwell and his upper crust wife, Maria are played by Jonathsan Coupe and Mags Johnston. They illustrate well the saying “pride comes before a fall”
Colin Baker and Chris Perry play the downtrodden Herbert Soppitt and his bossy wife, Clara. When given his freedom, Herbert dares to have a drink against Clara’s wishes. Yes, true feelings are coming out apace as he starts to put his foot down and his glass up.
Their roles are reversed in the case of the ‘stingy’ Councillor Albert Parker, and his put upon wife, Annie portrayed by Aidan Kielty and Diane Cornes. Diane makes sure Annie quickly restores her voice and authority.
All six maintain attuned Yorkshire accents. All of them consider church organist and southerner Gerald Forbes to speak ‘lah-di-dah.’ Grant Hines’character is indeed quite posh especially when he announces the news about their marital status.
Master playwright, J.B. Priestley skilfully arranges the separate appearances of men, women and couples so that the audience can more easily comprehend their motives.
Another character who is a joy to watch is Peter Mungovan as Henry Ormonroyd, the inebriated photographer. Peter plays the role with exaggeration as his character attempts to capture on camera three couples who no longer wish to be snapped - at least with their so-called spouses.
The audience laugh and clap throughout with obvious enjoyment. This play is a big change for the players who usually do either detective stories or farces.
Do some more of these classics. You are good at them. I would even say this is one of the best productions the Canterbury Players have ever done.
* The play is at Brook Road Methodist Church, Flixton until November 28. Telephone 0161 748 8403 for tickets. Star rating: * * * * *
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