www.attic-

players.co.uk

The Attic Players went "on tour" for their Autumn 2003 production 

Here is the Crit by Bill Armstrong, with a few reminders of an unusual and entertaining evening.

Bavarian boy takes lead in Chekhov play

as Attic Players go on tour  

INNOVATION is fast becoming the name of the game for the Attic Players. As for last season, the Players were "on the road" again taking a double bill production to Wemyss Bay as well as their normal venue in Skelmorlie. 

Once again the stage was forsaken for "theatre in the semi‑round", an old Presbyterian trick that works well. 

The established performers in the cast of One Season's King gave the smooth, silky performance now expected of the Players. The action takes place in a cemetery, giving the impression that the characters are ghostly figures reliving their past, animated only as they become involved in the action. 

 John Beeteson

 Bill Wright

 Karen Allen

Evelyn (Karen Allen), is being pursued hesitantly and gentlemanly by Edward (Bill Wright). Charles (John Beeteson) much more determined and direct in his advances is, in his eyes, a worthier suitor. Both have little account for the feelings of Evelyn who falls for the unlikely Sam (Bill Puckrin) who is in transport, but "with only one lorry"! 

From boyhood, Sam had never forgotten the "Shirley Temple" he saw sail past in a sleek limousine. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine their paths would cross again and that he would become the husband of his childhood infatuation. 

The discovery that it was Sam who had died came as a surprise. Evelyn had come to grieve over her loving husband. 

'There was nothing sentimental in this sometimes sad, often hilarious, well crafted comment on class ridden society. The cast, with deftness of touch, created an involved and, at times, ethereal atmosphere proximity to the players also helped each, with consummate skill, bringing their respective character to life. The players blended perfectly, responding well to Bill Puckrin's able direction, with the assistance of Rosemary Willis and Robert Huggins. 

The Chekov farce, which completed an adventurous programme, was quite an achievement for up and coming artistes. Tom Larasser (Lomov) deserves particular praise. Tom is from Bavaria and his first language is German. It takes a lot of pluck and effort to hold a part in a second language, though the Germanic accent was perfect. 

Lomov arrives at the home of the ageing and argumentative Chubakov (Paul O'Hagan) whose only asset appears to be an equally disputatious daughter, Natasha (Donna Laing), Knowing the purpose of Lomov's visit, Chubakov tries to be as accommodating and encouraging as is possible. 

  Paul O'Hagan

 Thomas Larrasser

The wooing is almost thwarted by two major arguments one about the ownership of a parcel of land, the other about the merits of breeds of dogs. 

                              Donna Laing

This was robust stuff requiring a fast, uninterrupted tempo; and a tough play for relative newcomers. Chekhov's brand of humour does not translate easily, but the players put their heart and soul into achieving some outrageously funny scenes. 

Dora Beeteson, ably assisted by Liz Neil, and with a little acknowledged help from Lana Lord, did well with a classic. 

Dora Beeteson

 Liz Neil

Both productions were knit together seamlessly by light and sound man, Keith Agnew. Everyone who took part deserves great credit for an evening of exceptional entertainment. .