This is a copy of the review of The Dresser sent to us by our NODA representative, Robin Hinton Brewer

NODA

SERVING AMATEUR THEATRE SINCE 1899

The Dresser

Presented by: Eydon Players

Director: Anne Westcott
Producer: Peter Unsworth
Venue: Village Hall, Eydon  

This was I think my ninth visit to Eydon Players and the first time I had seen this strong company attempt a `drama,' a `Tour de Force' with the principal players needing strength and passion throughout.

Ann had during the rehearsal period ensured that her company developed strong characterisations, leading to them have the confidence to give their all to the role played. A clever two-scene set worked very well, giving the players ample space to move, but cramped enough to portray accurately the backstage area and No.1 dressing room of a seedy third-rate theatre that was around during the second World War and still about in the early 1950's. The capacity audience at the performance I attended could observe each gesture, and every nuance of a look due to the skilful blocking of each scene. The dialogue was spoken care, excellent timing, and the laughs nicely judged, the players allowing each of them to fade naturally before continuing with the next speech, all the above needs plenty of attention to detail during rehearsal and that is what happened here.

Mike Jackson performed "Norman" the gay `Dresser' named in the title of the play with confidence, his homosexuality almost hinted at rather than blatant, there were shades of campness but never did he go overshoot the bounds by overdoing it. The dialogue given it full worth and his way of handling `Sir' was a gem. He cajoled, pleaded, became brusque and at times mothered him. Mike not only gave us a well thought through performance but he also gave strong support to the rest of the company. "Her Ladyship" as seen by Deborah Flanagan was a stately woman outwardly full of her own importance as Sir's wife, however when the public could not see her she was full of doubts about her relationship with Sir to whom she was not really married, there was a real feeling of love for him plus utter frustration of trying to be something she was not, having the knowledge that Sir would have an affair with the ingenue of his company whenever possible. She took full command of the stage in her scenes with Norman, and showed compassion and love for Sir when he first arrived at the theatre for that nights performance, well done a first rate performance.

The ingenue of Sir's tatty company "Irene" was given a sterling interpretation by Debbie Hockey, she gave as good as she got in her scenes with Norman and showed a nice line in flirting when alone with Sir. Full marks for a job well done.

Jenny Hyatt as "Madge" gave an 'I've carried a torch for you for years, but you haven't noticed me' poignancy to her role as the stage manager to this third rate company of Sir's. Taking command and drilling the cast into shape, keeping `King Lear' going despite her world starting to crumble about her. Again a truly good piece of acting.

"Sir" the actor-manager touring the country and having a nervous breakdown at the same time was played with flair and dignity by Tim Williams. He ensured that we knew he was a larger than life character, as a friend of mind would say `A legend in his own mind.' Tim gave us confusion, bafflement and pomposity in equal proportions plus some wonderful Shakespearean acting as Lear heard but not seen. He made a believable character of this man, one that you actually felt sorry for in the end at his death. Peter Unsworth gave "Geoffrey Thornton" an actor too old to have been called up for War service a nervous disposition that was just right, I liked the way he asked for a chance to do more than he was currently required to do in the company, it seemed that his world could grow, albeit a little, so long as Sir liked him.

The difficult "Mr Oxenby" nicely pointed up by Don Hussey, although this is only a small part he ensured that we knew just how cussed he could be just by giving a look or gesture along with a cynical way of speaking his dialogue.
Matthew Tasker who doubled as "Stagehand and Gloucester" in the offstage production of King Lear along with Dave Jones as "Albany and Kent" added to the overall high quality of this production as did the front of house staff who all dressed up as period characters, I enjoyed the ARP Warden giving us the emergency instructions in case of an air raid at the beginning of the entertainment.

As I said earlier in this full of praise review, the well designed, sturdily constructed set worked very well, some discreet lighting and well operated sound effects all contributed greatly to the sheer professionalism of this small society who have only thoughts of providing excellent entertainment to the residents of Eydon and this they do with a passion not often seen in larger societies. Please do more serious works you have a talent for them.

Robin Hinton Brewer
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