WAITING FOR GOD by Michael Aitkens Directed by Michael Russell Altrincham Little Theatre I always enjoy visiting Altrincham Little Theatre (ALT), as they consistently deliver high-quality productions. However, it’s unfortunate that their performances don’t always attract larger audiences. This recent show saw a slightly busier crowd than the last play I attended, but I do think ALT could benefit from more volunteers to help expand their marketing efforts and reach a broader audience. The play’s opening scene revealed the garden of Bayview Retirement Home, where the story unfolds. The stage design was simple yet highly effective, featuring plain flats and outdoor furniture that perfectly suited the various scenes throughout the play. The stage crew, led by Lisa Baker, were tasked with managing the rapid set changes required by the script. The quick transformations of props and scene elements were executed with impressive efficiency, often requiring the crew to don aprons or medical uniforms to match the scene. Special thanks go to Lisa Baker, Sophie Lambros, and Janet Reidsma for their smooth organisation and attention to detail. Between scene changes, Jan Taylor's sound design added an extra layer to the production. During the blackouts, carefully chosen music signalled the transitions between scenes, helping to maintain the flow of the performance and enhance the atmosphere. However, I did find one small oversight: when Baby Diana was born, there was no crying sound effect, which seemed like an expected moment for that type of sound cue. The lighting, designed by Steve Smith and operated by Jan Taylor, was both versatile and effective. A steady wash of light illuminated the stage, while the use of LED effects added a touch of character to certain moments. One particularly striking element was the stained-glass gobo used during the church scene, which worked wonderfully to evoke the
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