Act Reviews 2024 / 2025 Season

number 84, and generally being clumsy when in awkward situations. We did get shades of Frank Spencer with the physicality, but Daniel created a very believable characterisation of the hapless lad. Nurse Gladys was every inch the district nurse fending off Arkwright’s advances and yet offering sympathy where necessary. The small cameo roles were all well observed and certainly added to the overall proceedings. These were Winston played by Maxwell Hopkinson; Mavis – Julie Stanworth, Mrs. Braddock – Ingrid Lehmann; Mrs Blewitt Kay-lee Woolley-Naylor; Salesman – Colin Cropper; Norman – Gary Waugh; The V.A.T. Man – Guy Gibbs; Gloria/Linda – Lauren Moran. First night performances can sometimes meet the odd glitch but when there was a problem with a set change, the audience applauded when the lights eventually went up. There were very many scene changes – some minor, some more complex but, on the whole, they were well executed. As the run progresses, I have no doubt that these changes will be speeded up. The set was excellent although I would have like more of the counter area to have been downstage. I understand why it was positioned where it was, it is just a shame that logistics meant the counter area and living room were somewhat cramped. The properties were well sourced, many of which had been provided by Bacup Museum. I do think the pile of tins should have been full, though, as they were so obviously empty. If I have a criticism, it is that the delivery of lines was often not clear meaning that we lost a great deal of the humour. Despite the use of microphones clarity of pronunciation is paramount with the beginning and endings of words clearly defined. Doing this will naturally slow down the overall speed of delivery so that the back of auditorium will hear the dialogue as clearly as

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