On November 29th, the Shirley Parish Hall was transformed into a delightful venue for the latest production by the Shirley Players, showcasing 'The Weekend' by Michael Palin. The hall, with its convenient location and reliable facilities, provided a comforting space for the audience and performers. Whether arriving by car with easy parking or taking the bus, the stress-free journey to this production was much appreciated.
The Shirley Players have quickly become a personal favourite of mine, and their latest performance only reinforces my admiration. After thoroughly enjoying their previous production, 'A Prescription for Murder,' I was eager to see how this new show would unfold. I found myself entirely captivated by 'The Weekend,' which was executed with remarkable strength, depth, and laugh-out-loud comedy. The cast brought their characters to life with nuanced performances that showcased their undeniable talent and dedication.
Going into the show without prior knowledge of the script, I was pleasantly surprised by the wit and thoughtfulness of Palin's writing. At its core, 'The Weekend' explores the complexities of quintessential British sitcom characters, reminiscent of figures like Basil Fawlty and Victor Meldrew. These downtrodden protagonists, often burdened by unfulfilled dreams and frustrations, resonate with audiences, reflecting a distinctive blend of British humour that intertwines pathos and absurdity.
In this play, we delve deeper into the layers of such characters through Stephen Febble, a weary man who brings tension to a family gathering that includes his daughter, her dull husband Alan, their precocious child, and their dog. Seeking solace in whisky and sarcasm, Stephen's frustrations peak during a dinner party hosted by his patient wife, Virginia, which takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of a chiropodist.
One of the standout aspects of this production is how it explores the inner workings of these character types, making for a compelling narrative. David Sanders, who was featured in my first review for The AmDram Observer, returns to the publication with a notable performance as Stephen Febble. A beloved veteran in the Amdram community, Sanders proves once again why he is an exceptional talent.
I have to say, the entire cast was spot on! A special shoutout to Teejay Hurley (Alan)—his stage presence has skyrocketed since I last saw him! And can we talk about Maddie Warren?(Bridget Gardner) I’ve never seen her real hair! She's rocking a different wig in every show. At this rate, I’m convinced she’s got a secret wig warehouse. Keep it coming, Maddie—I can’t wait to see what fabulousness you unleash next!
I also must mention Sarah H. Gordon, who made her debut with The Shirley Players as Virginia Febble. Sarah is a workhorse of a performer and a highlight of any show she's in.
Under the direction of Carla Harvey, the show demonstrated not only her directorial prowess but also her keen understanding of her audience. She consistently chooses plays that resonate well, and 'The Weekend' is no exception.
The only thing I'd like to give them a slight nudge on to improve is the transactions between scenes. The 'false interval' as a call it, when the lights dim for longer that's comfortable has twice tricked me into thinking it was the interval only for me and a few audience members to be half way out of our seats before the show abruptly resumes. I have to say it is quite amusing, and even a little charming, but slightly clunky to the continual pace of the show. But, they serve free tea and biscuits, so who am I to complain.
Overall, 'The Weekend' stands as both a testament to the Shirley Players' talent and a thoughtful exploration of human complexity cloaked in humour. Leaving the Parish Hall that night, I found myself reflecting on the intricacies of life and laughter, eagerly anticipating their next production.
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