This is a copy of the review of Plaza Suite sent to us by the new NODA representative, Helen Hawkins. She was accompanied by our friend, Robin Hinton Brewer and they both had a very enjoyable evening at the Players.

PLAZA SUITE

Presented by: Eydon Players

Director: Ann Westcott
Produced by: Alan Watson
Venue: Eydon Village Hall

 

This was my first visit to Eydon in what proved to be a very enjoyable one. I was made very welcome by the 'Front of House' and settled down to witness a very funny production of 'Plaza Suite' which I enjoyed very much.

Ann gave us a lovely play with the many contrasting characters that comes with Plaza Suite. The movement Anne achieved with the players on the stage was to be congratulated and the scenery was simple but very effective.

Karen Nash was played with panache by Sonia Hawes, her accent was very good and her playing off the other characters, especially husband Sam was excellent the vibes bounced off every sentence uttered by them.

Mick Hawes played Sam Nash as I like the character to be played, for most of the time he had full command of the audience but now again he lost a line and came out of character but that did not deter from a very fine performance. First nights can sometimes be very nervy and daunting.

Alison Smith as Jean McCormack was played very well with plenty of movement around the stage, but I thought she could have looked more adoringly at her lover Sam especially when the wife was not looking and when he was talking to her so as to make it more obvious that he was having an affair with her.

The bell hop played by Mike Jackson and the Waiter played by Don Hussey play their parts well and made the plays run smoothly.

Jesse Kiplinger as played by John Guppy was played very differently from other versions I have seen and I liked it. Very much more laid back but very cheeky as well, but when he was struggling for a line he came out of character but I think that was due to first nights nerves.

Muriel Tate was played perkily by Penny Avery, with brilliant comedy she played the part to the hilt making this play so much different from the first. I loved the voice and accent and when she got tipsy it was not over played which made the comedy so much better.

Norma Hubley was played with perfection by Sally Stretton her comedy oozed out of her and her bantering with her husband worked so well, what a comedy team they made and they got every word of dialogue spot on. Well done.

Roy Hubley was played by Tim Williams, his bantering with his wife was lovely and his face was a picture and he never came out of character, it was obvious that both Sally and Tim had worked very hard on their roles.

Borden Eisler was played by Mike Jackson, with a great accent and a bold swagger this made for a lovely bit of comedy in what was a small part.

Mimsey Hubley was played by Lynne Gardner-Jones only a small part but Lynne made the most of it playing up to audience when she could. What can I say about the scenery other than it was excellent, a very good set design and I liked be subtle changes you made with each scene change this was coupled with very good lighting.

I would like to thank you all for a lovely evening. I thoroughly enjoyed Plaza Suite and look forward to your next production.

Helen Hawkins
Representative for Region 11 Midlands Area
NATIONAL OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION

Copyright © 2003. EydonPlayers
Revised -- October 2003 Version 10b
URL: http://www.helgar.demon.co.uk/plazasuite/nodacrit.html