Brighton Theatre Company presents their second season showcasing two one act plays that both instantly transport the audience into the stories of popular classic acts known as ‘A Lady of Letters’ one of the original classic ‘Talking Heads’ monologues by Alan Bennet directed by Deborah and “The Rats” a murder mystery play like no other from bestselling novelist, the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie, directed by Annie Blood.
As soon as each play commenced the set designs instantly connected us to the era and location of the setting making us feel part of the scene rather than a bystander.
For the ‘A Lady of Letters’ the old antique furniture of the classic wooden piano and winged arm chair accompanied by small decor items like floral vintage tea cups and sheer curtains really created the image of a un-renovated english period home owned by a elderly lady. So when Irene entered the stage in her long skirt and blouse we all knew she was the lead of the show.
Entering the second act was a smooth transition also due to clever set and costume designs which comprised of a sleek mid-century modern furnished apartment featuring a cream leather lounge and bar cart paired with costume selections of the female roles dressed in striking floral and vibrant prints and men in work suits all visual elements radiating instant 60s vibes.
The clever set painted the perfect picture for the audience but the real standouts of the night that brought all the energy and life to the acts was all the amazing actors/actresses.
First opening the first act ‘Letters she wrote” we were introduced to the star performer Carol Shelbourn playing the role of Irene. A character we were lead to first assume was a innocent little old lady….Carol stayed true to her character and reciprocated lines seamlessly throughout every minute of the act displaying such experience and talent she was clearly spoken and showed such skill in being able to effortlessness change her style of acting to show Irene’s characters self development; she began with uneasy fragile movements, stubbornness attitude and judgmental but undeniably comical remarks making her come across lonely, critical, elderly with lack of purpose which came from a sense of loss and isolation that Irene was experiencing in her life this resulted her engaging in repetitive behaviours that lead her into trouble and relocation… Carol then did a fabulous job in adapting her characters mannerisms and stance in the new situation that her role was dealt with showing Irene blossom develop a strong feeling of self worth making it a heart warming story to be part of.
The night ends strong with the captivating murder suspense story of “The Rats” played by a group of 4 highly talented actors/actresses featuring Rory McGrath as David Forrester, Alex Lance as Alec Hanbury, Nicky Neville-Jones as Sandra Grey and Del Jordan as Jennifer Brice as a cast they worked so collectively together they did not outshine one another but instead supported each another seamlessly throughout the play with strong engagements, clear voice projections and facial expressions which highlighted each of their individual roles. The strong scenes kept us all on the edge of our seats with curiosity.
If your looking afternoon or night out I highly recommend not missing this seasons of Brighton Theatres one act plays you will enter two different doors of life; one giving you a warm feeling of hope and encouraging the prospect of how negative actions with change can lead to everlasting rewarding new paths of life and act two handing you out puzzle providing you all but one piece leaving you with a sense of incompetence but anticipation to solve the clues.
At the conclusion of both acts we all left through one door with comments of each performance exceeding our expectations, leaving us all wanting more and generating and night full of conversations!
