Cold Comfort Farm
May 2006
by Stella Gibbons / Clare Girvan, directed by Alan Caig
Cast: Aunt Ada - Mary Jones The Author - Rosemary Whitehurst Flora - Jody Rawlings Adam Lambsbreath - Mick Munns Judith Starkadder - Maggie Butt Mrs Beetle - Angela Wallwork Seth Starkadder - Adam Courtier Rennet Starkadder - Pippa Warin Amos Starkadder - Gordon Halliday Reuben Starkadder - Philip Jones Elfine Starkadder - Kate Wannell Meriam Beetle - Jacky Davies Mr Mybug - Anthony Morris Urk Starkadder - Nick Jones Mrs Hawk-Monitor - Jacquie Howatson Richard Hawk-Monitor - David Batty Dr Adolf Mudel - Bob Drury Earl Neck - Christopher Redwood Quivering Brethren, Farm Hands, Party Guests - Clare Girvan, Cally Pettit, Victoria Jones, Rosie Munns, Jean Halliday, Ben Grimsey, Cass Thorne & Chris Williams Musicians - Geoffrey Brace, Liz Hodges & Steve Preston - Other parts played by members of the cast | Production Team: Director - Alan Caig Assistant Director - Margaret Butt Stage Manager - Tina Sinclair Set - Philip Keen Costumes - Clare Girvan & Isla Morgan Lighting - Ben Fricker & Jon Hole Sound - Ron Murray Props - Jean Halliday, Bridget Deasy & Angela Wallwork Publicity - Margaret Butt, Angela Wallwork & Christopher Redwood Posters - Philip Keen Programme - Philip Jones Front of House - Sharon Wannell & Margaret Butt Music - Geoffrey Brace |
Reviews:
From Estuary News:
....the audience was buzzing with enthusiasm...
This production by the Estuary Players at Matthews Hall in May was an excellent and well-balanced effort by everyone concerned. The original story by Stella Gibbons was given a very cleverly worked out face-lift by Clare Girvan who brought the play to life so well in her adaptation. The production directed by Alan Caig and assisted by Maggie Butt was very buoyant.
It flowed well and the audience was buzzing with enthusiasm on the evening I was there. The company was hot on detail with charmingly thought out costumes, good sound effects and lighting on a set incorporating the stage and the body of the hall with the audience in the round. The fine atmospheric music was well chosen and played in the right spirit by Geoffrey Brace, Liz Hodges and Steve Preston. It showed that a lot of work had been put in by the whole group including the stage management team led by Tina Sinclair. Being able to buy a glass of wine was an added bonus.
The acting was of a very high standard. There were several memorable cameo performances and Jody Rawlings played the demanding main part with clarity and confidence. Particular mention should be given to Gordon Halliday as Amos Starkadder, Maggie Butt as Judith Starkadder and Pippa Warrin as Rennet Starkadder. There was a charming performance by Kate Wannell as Elfin Starkadder. David Batty as her intended was superb.
It is by chance that I knew Stella Gibbons when we lived in Highgate Village in
London. Although it was many years since she wrote Cold Comfort Farm, I
feel she would have been pleased with this up-dated production. Her biography by her
nephew, Reggie Olliver, is quite an eye-opener and is a good read about the life of
this amazing woman.
Photos:
Click a thumbnail to view larger
