FLARE PATH

Malvern Festival Theatre

(The Original Theatre Company & Birdsong Productions)

Olivia Hallinan & Leon Ockenden

 Often, it isn’t until you experience something that you haven’t experienced for a long time that you realise what’s been missing. The superb level of characterisation in The Original Theatre Company’s latest offering, Flare Path, bucks the trend for casting actors in roles similar to themselves. Casting Director, Anne Vosser, and Director, Justin Audibert, have done an excellent job in selecting a stellar cast of truly talented performers, capable of developing a depth of character, emotionally and physically, that is lacking in many productions these days.

Flare Path is based on the playwright, Terrence Rattigan’s real life experience as a tail gunner during World War II. Set in 1942, it tells the story of actress, Patricia, whose loyalties to her RAF pilot husband, Teddy, are challenged by the unexpected arrival of her lover, Hollywood screen idol, Peter Kyle. At a time of such uncertainty, when life and death were constant bedfellows, the desire to make the most of every minute fuelled passions and left reason out in the cold.

Alastair Whatley & Olivia Hallinan

Leon Ockenden is perfectly self-absorbed and shallow as the movie star, while Alastair Whatley is magnificently heroic as the considerate yet vulnerable Flight Lieutenant. Olivia Hallinan delivers a masterclass in characterisation with her phenomenal portrayal of the love torn, Patricia Warren. Her homage to the silver screen goddesses of the late 30s is immaculate and captivating. Philip Franks is adorable as Squadron Leader Swanson and Stephanie Jacob is simply hilarious as the matter-of-fact boarding house owner, Mrs Oakes. Siobhan O’Kelly gives a wonderfully understated performance as the Countess whose constant resolve to remain forever hopeful and positive in adversity is heartbreaking. Adam Best is charming as the Polish Officer, James Cooney is great as the peppy bartender and Simon Darwen and Shvorne Marks are extremely likeable as the down-to-earth cockney couple. Final credit goes to William Reay and Holly Smith as the supporting cast. Final accolades have to go to Voice and Dialect Coach, Tim Charrington for his incredible contribution.

This is an emotionally evocative play that gives a real insight into a time we hope to never see repeated. This production is a triumph and well worth seeing. It runs at Malvern festival Theatre until Saturday before carrying on tour.

5 stars

TO BUILD A WOODEN O

Malvern Forum Theatre

(Malvern Bard in association with Malvern Theatres)

I am a big fan of Nick Wilkes' writing and particularly enjoy the diversity of his subject matter. As writer in residence at Malvern Theatres, he has a wonderful opportunity to develop his skills, which he his exploring to its fullest. His new work is an historical drama and virgin territory for Wilkes. To Build A Wooden O is the fascinating story of William Shakespeare and The Chamberlain's Men and the events leading to the construction of the acclaimed Globe Theatre.

Overall, this is a good production but it's not without its issues. An unexpectedly large cast brings a tremendous amount of vibrancy to the stage from entering the auditorium to the dynamic curtain call. Performance ability, however, varies across the cast and the multitude of voices, some of whom were struggling with their lines, on opening night, made it difficult to understand what was going on at times. A combination of poor diction and dialogue heavy scenes added to the auditory struggle. The blanket use of a West Country accent for both Midlanders and Londoners, apart from one Northerner, doesn't help separate the characters and adds to the confusion. The more intimate scenes are a welcome relief to the general cacophony.

The forum space is perfect for the staging and the 'black box' allows for the focus to be on the beautifully costumed performers. Ben Merrick's lighting design is stunning and creates the perfect atmosphere for the show. Emma Butcher is reassuringly calm as she reminisces on the escapades of her younger self, superbly played by the captivating Alicia Bennett. Rob Temple comes into his own in the role of Prologue and Murray Andrews proves his metal as an actor yet again. Special mention has to be made of Paul Ralph's brilliantly animated performance, which is a masterclass in silent comedy.

The second act is a very different beast to the first act. Its structure is so contrasting it feels like a different show all together. There are missed opportunities here and presenting an abridged version of Henry V is unnecessary when other, more interesting, elements of the story are quickly brushed over, such as the money lending and Bill's brother's untimely demise. Wilkes is particularly good at writing dialogue that explores relationships and the vulnerability of individuals and, to me, this is where the better story lay in this tale. The scenes involving the Shakespeare family members were the most intriguing by far and I would have liked to see more of this with the other action merely providing the setting.

The topic is extremely interesting and this talented playwright can successfully add historical writing to his repertoire. It is perhaps time for a fresh directorial eye and an acting troupe of equable talents to showcase the true potential of Nick Wilkes' work. To Build A Wooden O runs until Saturday at Malvern's Forum Theatre and is definitely worth experiencing.