February 2006

Arsenic and Old Lace

Review – Arsenic & Old Lace – Potters Bar Theatre Company

For Potters Bar Edition of the Welwyn Hatfield Times

 

It was amusing to note that in Joseph Kesselring’s black comedy, Arsenic & Old Lace, that one of the main characters was a newspaper drama critic!   We appeared to have a lot in common but judging from his remarks concerning writing a review on the way to the theatre, is not one of them.

I emphasise, I am writing this review after seeing the play staged by the Potters Bar Theatre Company at Wyllyotts Centre, the first night being in front of a large audience who certainly appeared to appreciate the genre judging from the laughter.    Indeed, rightly so, for this was enjoyable entertainment.

Famously a 1940s film starring heartthrob actor, Cary Grant, the magnificent Victorian mansion in Brooklyn was faithfully evoked with attention to fine detail, by the in-house design and lighting team. In addition, costumes of World War II vintage placed the period of action although the two elderly ladies preferred to be attired in the elegant Edwardian style of their youth.

Background ‘Swing’ music of the 1940s further established the era.

It was unfortunate, but bearing in mind this was the first night, that the opening dialogue, so essential for establishing character and background information, was difficult to hear even though I was sitting relatively near the front.   However, this improved as the play gathered pace, not least because of the booming presence of the eccentric Teddy Brewster who was convinced he was President Theodore Roosevelt.  Andrew Hull gave a remarkable portrayal of this unusual character.

Val Golding and Gay Potter as Teddy’s equally eccentric but kindly aunts, Abby and Martha, were a delightful duo working in sympathetic harmony. Their expressive mannerisms and acerbic remarks as they fussed around Rev Dr. Harper (Robin Perkins) and other unsuspecting guests were delightful.  The Vicar’s daughter, vivacious and independent young woman, Elaine (Jacqui Swanwick) enjoyed being courted by handsome theatre critic, Mortimer, nephew to the maiden aunts. Nick Reed’s performance captured the essence of Cary Grant as he dealt with bewildering circumstances.

The story line of this classic comedy is no doubt familiar from screen and numerous am/dram revivals. Suffice to say, therefore, that the complex relationships, kindly but misguided intentions of two improbable killers, combined with the threatening presence of long lost nephew Jonathan ‘Boris Karloff’ (Nicholas Vause) and his accomplice, personal plastic surgeon Dr Einstein (John Joannou) there was plenty of opportunity for farce. These two talented actors milked it for all its worth with plausible recollections of their Hollywood originals.

Skilfully directed by Gary Colledge, with supporting roles of typical New York cops by Terry Weinert, Peter Keats, Roger Huggins and Julian Tracey, along with the unsuspecting manager of the Rest Home, Mr Witherspoon (Alan Samways) and the lodger who got away, Mr Gibbs (John Absolon), this was rewarding am/dram and although occasionally it lacked pace the audience expressed their appreciation of a job well done.                                          Wendy Keeling Taylor  26^th February 2006.