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Lords and Ladies
Presented by: Maskerade Productions
Venue: St Martins Theatre, South Yarra
Reviewer: Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed: 3rd August
In
Maskerade Production’s Lords and Ladies, Terry Pratchett returns us
to Lancre along with the formidable Granny Weatherwax (Maddy
Connellen), the cheerful Nanny Ogg (Juliette Maxwell), and the
insecure Magrat Garlick (Jessica Addicott).
Even the
actual weather was perfect for the opening night of Lords and Ladies
and as we scurried down the laneways leading up to St.Martins
Theatre it was cold, windy and that fine mist that is always
associated with witches and elves in another Terry Pratchett’s
Discworld parody.
Rosemary
Chappel has been directing shows for many years and by her exited
and worried look as we chatted prior to the show I sensed that it
had been even a challenge for her to get this production ready on
time. Her fears and worries were dispelled by her cast and crew who
gave a fine opening night of the production.
Technically
the show ran smoothly, I particularly liked some of the choices of
scene change music. The lighting was simple but still had a few
focus problems and we could have done without being able to see the
floor lighting in the wings. The set was a good, although set
changes to remove one brick wall to replace it with another brick
wall had me a tad confused.
Costumes
were well thought out and worked well with thanks to Maddy Connellan
who always seems to be able to produce ‘the right piece’ in any show
she dresses. Jeffrey Clarke experience in re-enactment dress
certainly would have helped!
A very
large cast of 27 worked well together and although their individual
experience and standard are very different, the casting of the roles
seemed to make it all work smoothly. Maddy Connellan as Granny
Weather Wax is very strong and consistent in her role and I do love
the twinkle in her eye when she delivers some of her ‘funnier
lines’. Juliette Maxwell had me convinced she ‘is’ Nanny Ogg while
Jessica Addicotts role of Magrat was a little inconsistent but got
better as the show progressed.
David
Mould played a fine king but should try to adjust his acting style
when working in such a small space with the audience so close. The
show was greatly helped by senior male members of the show! Bill
Connellan’s character was the backbone of the whole traveling scene,
Arno Vann as the bursar was almost a show on his own and to his
credit did not upstage others when it would have been tempting to do
so. Bruce Packard (Ponder Stibbons) and Basil Hawkins as Casanunda
both held their own in this elite troupe of men.
Time and
space excludes me from mentioning all concerned but I would like to
congratulate both the male and female ensemble in general who worked
so well in their many and varied parts, in particular Edward burger
(Shawn ogg), Jeffrey Clarke(Jason Ogg) Paul Hansen (Bestiality) who
throws himself into any role he plays and Julia Godinho and Evelyn
Vila who are (I’m sure) elves
Lords and
Ladies
isn't one of Pratchett's more riotously funny plays. Rosemary
Chapple certainly directed her cast so we heard every word although
some funny moments were cut off by continuing dialogue where a pause
my have helped. However, there is plenty to laugh at in this show
and Discworld fans will especially love it! But be quick its only
on till the 11th August at the St Martins. Book on line
at
www.stmartinsyouth.com.au
Wayne
has been involved in Melbourne theatre for almost 40 years. He
started his theatre training in the Scout Gang Shows at the Palais
Theatre in 1970. (He was dressed as a Girl Guide in his first
appearance – but don’t mention that!) His original singing teacher
was June Brunnings and he has performed everything from Mr. Bumble
for Whitehorse Theatre to Uncle Max for MLOC and lots of bit parts
in between. A lighting tech at the Palais (okay, a spot operator) on
a professional basis for 6 years and a member of the Trevor
Howlett’s rent a crew for a few too many companies. A writer and
performer in the “bag Show” (a Pre runner to shows like the Comedy
company) and the Producer of the Two Faces Theatre Company Cabaret
and Godspell. Wayne recently retired as vice president at Babirra
Music Theatre.
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