Acting up @ KADS

Have just returned from a very enjoyable night at KADS and their one act season - acting up @ KADS. Hats off to KADS for putting forward a very strong night of entertainment. It has been a little while since I last visited the theatre – but I will be back soon. What a great space for intimate theatre. The front of house staff were fantastic and great idea in relation to free pizza at half time – other theatres could learn something of benefit here. So to the shows ……… ‘The Return’ – Directed by Danielle Ashton A slightly shortened version of ‘The last Train to Freo’ – enjoyed the film immensely and was looking forward to how this would transpire in this theatre ……… very well! Overall an outstanding production that I’m sure will reap the benefits at the One Act Drama Festival – it would be hard to beat. A simple set but very effective and created the illusion of an intimate claustrophobic train space – certainly assisted by clever use of lighting and wonderful sliding door action! Classical music a constant reminder of the reality factor. Steve (Phil Barnett) portrayed a menacing thug (with hidden softer side) to perfection – extremely well done; there was never a time when I didn’t believe. Shaving your head for a role can be a bit of a bitch – but it was worth it Phil! Only suggestion would be to utilize the strength of your presence on stage to carry your character; rather than unnecessary movement. Beautiful moments were more powerful with a simple turn of the head. Trev (Murray Jackson) supported Steve and added a whole new meaning to ‘a special friend’. A lovely character and had some fantastic show stealing moments. Would like to know how long you studied suffocating fish for?! Brilliant! Felt occasionally that it slipped too far into characteristic rather than character; but was always pulled back with a defining moment of truth. Lisa (Krysia Wiechecki) had a wonderful stage presence from start to finish. Managing to express the squeamish anxiety required on all levels whilst still following the direction of the script. An easy role to screw up by a lesser actor – you did not and it was a pleasure to watch. Maureen & Writer (Jacqui Warner & Chris Thomas) – the ‘passing’ passengers – or are they!? Brilliant! Jacqui continues to jump forward in leaps and bounds in relation to her ability to adapt to any role on stage – a fantastic portrayal of the ‘fighter’ and a lovely transition towards the end of the show. Chris also carried his character well and would certainly question my safety if he ever pointed a gun at me! This is theatre at its best. Danielle you should be extremely proud of what you have created – this is the difference between a director and a community want to be. You have pictured a vision, directed it, delivered it and embraced it. All others wondering how? – this is how it should be done. SMS Mess – Directed & Written by Chris Thomas Short and sweet – Chris this was great! Well done for a fantastically written and directed monologue. Something that everyone today can relate to and try their hardest to deny. You have thrust a modern tragedy into the audience’s faces and we lapped it up and also left thinking “shit, he’s right”! Julia Dalby (Kate) – who else could have done this role?! It was written for you! Well done for carrying 15mins of pure joy – every day Joe but we could all relate to Kate; even though we would probably prefer not to. I nice transition between in your face characteristics and heart felt moments of emotional anguish. Would only suggest less movement on stage would probably have assisted the audience in adding more attention to this characters plea – but just a minor detail in an overall spotless performance. Chris & Julia I hope you both get the recognition that this wonderful piece of theatre deserves. Free Coffee for the Driver Directed & Written by Stephan Jean De Jonghe Again hats off to a local writer and director submitting original work to a community theatre. This was not the strongest act of the evening but I don’t think was helped by technical issues and basic nerves on stage. The overall story and one act itself was very clever and had a good twist at the end. Julie (Joy Northover) delivered a convicing character and held some wonderful moments between the ‘confused’ coupling relationship. Rob (Graham Miles) delivered a consistent character, although was left wanting more at the end of the show. Lisa (Esher Wall) was memorizing from start to finish. A twist on the norm in relation to how I would expect this character to be portrayed, but you could not help but be drawn in by this different approach. Well done on a spell binding performance. Thank you KADS for reinstating my belief in One Act seasons – I saw another season only two weeks prior (the ‘unknown theatre’) and this was easily 800% stronger. Thank you directors for placing this fine feast in front of a humbled audience. And thank you actors for believing in your director and theatre – you should all be proud. This is how it should be all the time. Love & Respect PC x