THE WEIR – ARENA THEATRE – Bournemouth Little Theatre, Jameson Road – 1.11.13 This play by Conor McPherson is set in a remote country pub in Ireland and was first seen in 1997 when it won the Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle and Olivier Awards for Best New Play. Brendan, ably played by Simon Meredith, is the pub owner and three men are gathering for their evening drink. The arrival of Valerie (Charlotte Peach) spurs the men to impress her with ghost stories but Valerie’s story is the most chilling. The set, costumes, lighting and sound effects were excellent, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The sound effect during Valerie’s story certainly made me jump! These five actors kept the audience rapt, occasionally amused and most definitely chilled. This could have been a boring play with monologues and very little movement but it was no such thing due to the fine direction by Paul Nelson. Every actor was so natural that I forgot they were acting and firmly believed in them. The convincing Irish accents were kept up throughout the play. All five actors were magnificent complementing each other. The story telling was superb and drew us into the lives of the characters enabling us to see through their eyes. Jack (David Weeks) showed us how Valerie’s arrival brought up the memory of a lost love which he had tried to suppress. Finbar (John Billingham) was played with gusto and left us in no doubt of his intentions towards Valerie. Jim (Stuart Muirs) showed us how he was trying to fit in with the others while caring for his mother. Brendan portrayed his optimistic take on life and Valerie her sadness. This was a production of the highest quality keeping the audience enthralled and still wanting more at the close. I cannot praise Paul Nelson and the entire cast enough, it is the best thing I have seen in quite a while. Further performances are:- November 7th – Avonbourne College, Boscombe, November 9th – All Saints School, Weymouth, November 12th – Camden Bar, Ashley Cross, Poole and November 14th – The Larderhouse, Southbourne. All shows start at 8pm. To obtain tickets call 07528536899 or email [email protected]. Lyn Richell
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 10:29:38 +0000
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