Author: abbeytheatrearbroath

Critique: The Ladykillers

abbeytheatrearbroath
Left Back Row – Mike Christie; Jim Shaw; Richard Paterson; Dan Large; Steven Dunbar; Alan Johnston
Front – Brenda Reid and Karen Oliver

There was no doubt when the curtain was raised that murder was in the air and the audience was in for an exciting performance. 

 Leading lady Brenda Reid, is Mrs Wilberforce, a widow living alone with a parrot called General Gordon for company in a subsiding apartment near Kings Cross Station, has a room to rent which Professor Marcus, played by Mike Christie is more than interested in. But all is not what it seems.

Four ‘musicians’ are invited by Marcus – Cellist, Mr Lawson aka ‘One Round’ played by Richard Paterson, and three violinists, Stephen Dunbar, Dan Large and Alan Johnston, all with dubious backgrounds and no knowledge of music use the room allegedly for practice, but with felony as the real motive.

Coerced into providing a concert for Mrs Wilberforce’s friends, Karen Oliver and Kelsey Mackenzie, the ‘hapless musicians’ are found out, and with several hilarious plot twists and turns, mayhem ensues. Jim Shaw played the Police presence, and all leads to an unexpected, enthralling conclusion.

All the leading cast are experienced members of Abbey Theatre Club, and each actor provided a dramatic, polished and hugely entertaining professional performance, under the expert direction and skilful management of Producer James Robb. 

This talented cast were supported by a highly skilled and dedicated backstage crew led by Stage Manager Kelsey Mackenzie, whose new team of set designers made creative use of the stage, props, and costumes.

Lighting and Sound were efficiently managed by Stephen Gilbert and Doug Todd who created audience anticipation at scene changes throughout the performance, with directed lighting and specific sound effects.

Abbey Theatre Club never disappoints with their performances and this comedy- drama, The Ladykillers is no exception.

Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-abbey-theatre-club or at AJ Beedie Jewellers also, on the night at the theatre.  Performances start at 7.30pm

The next production is ‘The Doacters Surgery On Tour’ – produced by Laura Barnes with performances from Monday 22nd April until Saturday 27th April.   Review by Margaret Bowman

Critique: Sleepy Hollow

abbeytheatrearbroath

THEATRE REVIEW – THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
BY MARGARET BOWMAN

The Abbey Theatre Club’s autumn production ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,’ by Jim Heinbruch and Jon Ferguson is a spooky spectacular, just perfect for this Halloween month. The audience loved this and no wonder! It is a quirky take on the well-known tale and a wickedly funny, yet thrilling, seasonal drama skilfully managed by Producer Heather You.

Callum Baker is perfectly cast for the leading role of Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher from Connecticut, who arrives in the village of Sleepy Hollow to take up his position at the school. His attentions for Katrina Van Tassel (Emma Smith) are causing concern to her suitor Brom Bones (Dan Large) who takes delight in frightening him with the ghostly story about the Headless Horseman.

The country schoolchildren (Kelsey McKenzie; Rachel Williams; Alex Osborne; Steven Dunbar; Rebecca Lyons and Erin Swankie) cause several problems for the new school teacher but the Parson, a sinister character played by James Callachan keeps them in order. When Baltus Van Tassel (Jim Shaw) hosts an evening party, the village women, (Pat Stewart and Monica Stranock) with Rupert Van Brunt (John Greig) embellish the frightening tale before Ichabod prepares to go home in the bleak darkness and be at the mercy of the Horseman. Will he make it over the bridge before the Horseman catches him?……..

Gemma Mordin who plays Helga Van Ripper and Mike Christie as Geoffrey Crayon complete the professional and talented cast, who were supported by their dedicated backstage crew led by Stage Manager Terri-Marie Baker, whose role is to ensure every performance runs efficiently. Lighting and Sound was managed by Stephen Gilbert and Doug Scott, who created the expected eerie, dramatic music and lighting effects with Maddie Simpson being on hand, as Prompt. The wonderful costumes were authentic for the period and were managed by Susie Watson and Fiona Burnett.

The management of the weaponry used during this production, was expertly supervised by Stuart Archibald from Theatrical Armoury Services, who ensured the complete safety of the cast.

Another excellent performance by the members of Abbey Theatre Club! Performances run each evening at 7.30 pm until Saturday 7 th October with tickets available from A.J.Beedie Jewellers, High Street, Arbroath or at the theatre on the night.

The Abbey Theatre Club are looking forward to their next production which will be their Christmas Pantomime – Treasure Island!