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I
wasn't sure what to expect as I walked to the Salford Players Theatre to
see Unit One perform "The Anniversary" by Bill MacIlwraith. Some amateur
productions are horrendous. I needn't have worried. I left the theatre two
and a half hours later having been thoroughly entertained.
The
play is described as a "witty and cruel black comedy" in the programme.
Mum still celebrates her wedding anniversary despite her husband's death a
number of years before. She battles verbally with her three sons, each
attempting to score points from each other in a game at which Mum is supreme.
The
events this particular year have a little extra spice. Tom has brought
Shirley to the party to introduce her and announce their engagement.
Terry and his wife, Karen, |
intend to tell Mum that they are planning on
emigrating to Canada. To top all this, it soon becomes clear that Henry is
an impulsive transvestite.
During
the evening Mum drags incidents up from the past in her battle with her
sons, and attempts to beat their women into submission. Her aim is to
drive a wedge between Tom and Shirley, and prevent Terry and Karen from
emigrating. Throughout the play are a number of one line quips that keep
the audience amused and entertained.
Mum
finally loses the battle. Shirley is still determined to marry Tom, and
Tom says he is never coming back. Terry and Karen are going to emigrate.
Mum is left on stage to bemoan, "Kids, who'd have them?"
In this production the comic element was
played up at the expense of the more |
sinister aspects of the play.
All the
players gave competent performances. Sue Ratan was especially convincing
as the wife who finally drags her husband away from his mother's
influence. Somehow Len Howarth played the role of Henry with a serious
expression, which made it all the more amusing.
There
were some faults: The ending seemed a little weak. But overall there was a
great sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm coming from the cast.
The
audience seemed to pick up on this and became more involved.
It was
clear that the cast were acting from an enjoyment of performing, not from
any financial gain. This is why amateur productions can be so much fun. I
left the theatre glad I'd braved the bitter wind.
Dave Ballinger. |
