We Happy Few

Last evening, I attended the Opening Night of “We Happy Few”, the latest theatrical production of the Old Mill Theatre. The play is set in England during the Second World War and maps the journey, dramas and traumas of a small women’s thespian group, the Artemis Players. This theatrical ensemble was established by a pioneering woman of the theatre, Miss Hetty Oakes, to comfort and entertain children during the dark years of the wartime period. The play tracks the development of this group from its moment of inspiration and early development in 1939 to its eventual disbandment in 1945. It is a charming, interesting and somewhat inspirational tale and one that was successfully conveyed to its audience by this production, directed by Simon James, with a pace, energy, sincerity and an authenticity that is rare and refreshing in amateur theatre. The production was well supported by an excellent cast. In particular, the supporting character roles of both Flora Pelmet (Rosemary Longhurst), the long-suffering but life-long friend and supporter of the founder of the Artemis Players, and also Helen Irving (Gail Lusted), the alcoholic, fading star of the thespian group, are worthy of special commendation. However, the performance of Kyla Jones, as Miss Hetty Oaks, the founder and relentless driver of the Artemis Players, was an especially notable feature of this production. The role she portrayed was both convincing and compelling and her contribution to this play as its central figure of critical, cornerstone significance to its success. The presentation of the story is complicated, although, generally, not overly taxing upon the audience to follow and become attached to and engrossed in it. However, this process is made none easier by an opening scene that is the poorest of the production, due to both the acting and the script attached to it, and the many, perhaps too many, scene changes that characterize, particularly Act I, of the play. One suggestion for the improvement of this production would be that stage management and its small portfolio of players, unfortunately all dressed in white, could and should have played a less prominent role “on the boards”. The story, as it unfolds, is a drama in the true tradition of the theatre. A diverse range of characters are presented and convincingly developed as the story of the Artemis Players navigates through its course. The musical and comedic aspects of the production, both very well delivered, are added and welcomed features. In this context, the singing of Bonnie Coyle and the piano playing of Francesca Meehan, should receive special commendations. Unfortunately, the clarinet playing was below par and could/ should have been omitted. “We Happy Few” is, in many respects, a tapestry of stories. Without distracting from the focus of the central theme of the story of a group of thespian players over the term of their journey together, other sub-plots are introduced and effectively developed over the course of the play. The Director and the actors should be acknowledged for their contribution to effectively achieving this outcome. Undoubtedly, the limited time and resources available to Community Theatre undermine its ability to generate productions that are without flaw and “We Happy Few” is no exception. However, I feel that it is a play that achieves “in spades” what it is designed to do. It provides an evening of enjoyable, interesting and compelling entertainment to its audience and, on this basis, it is one to which I would attach my recommendation and endorsement. Of the “areas for improvement” that I would identity for special consideration, I would include the scene in which Hetty Oakes is lobbying for the support of the Minister that is being courted to provide support for the creation of the Artemis Players (as I found this unconvincing) and also the scene in which the deserted Ivy Williams is killed (as I found the scene overly melodrama, even traumatic, and probably too long). Finally, as a Londoner (by birth), I was mystified why a mayor opening a theatrical production in the Isle of Dogs, would be from Yorkshire, He would need to be drunk to have the courage to stand up in front of an audience of East Enders with a strong North of England accent. Perhaps, a mayor from London with a more sober temperament would have reflected a better choice of characterization in this role? By the way, absolute chaos in the ticket office and a problem with the fire alarm system prior to the commencement of the production were both extremely stressful for the audience. However, for those that endured these distractions, “We Happy Few” provided, no doubt, a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment. Well done to all involved!

I attended the opening night production of "We Happy Few" last night and found it a thoroughly entertaining and nostalgic evening. Front of house arrangements were rather stressful to start with but it did't detract from what was, in my estimation an enjoyable evening. Possibly the frequent scene changes were slightly confusing for the audience but the strong cast carried the plot through with aplomb. Of particular note were the strong performances of "Hetty" and "Flora" who brought energy and clarity to the overall concept and the musical interludes which brought light hearted relief. Congratulations to "Ivy" for a convincing death scene and sure performance. In conclusion one of the best local theatre productions I have attended for a long time

I thought that last night was brilliant! Congratulations to all that were involved. I thought that Joseph was wonderful and looked good on the stage. Ivy was great dying. I didnt mind the scene changes, that what you have to do!

Although it is, of course, fabwunderbliss to receive really bouyous comments, it is, perhaps, from the more "constructive criticisms" that we learn from and can use to improve the production. I agree that the Scene Changes weren't quite working on Opening Night. Circumstances and a largely absent Lighting Operator during tech week (he was replaced after opening night) meant that these were not as well rehearsed as they should have been. On second night, the cast and crew shaved nearly ten minutes off the running time, so we must be doing something right, now! ;) Director - Simon James

I saw this play Friday night, It's fourth night into its season.Like the previous reviewers I thouroughly enjoyed this play and concur with most of their opinions.I write this only to give a mid season perspective on some of the minor technical problems that were mentioned and now appear to have been addressed. Set changes were extremely well executed by stage manager mario piccoli[ Three times winner of best stage manager award at drammafest] and a competent crew.Problems with lighting operation that were responsible for some slowness on opening night have been addressed. There are quit a few set changes but I never had a feeling of losing the mood at any time The efficiency of the crew,their being dressed in appropriate dress for the play and the clever selection of music preserved the atmosphere during the short breaks and neiher mood nor continuaty was sacrificed. Director Simon James has put together a wonderful selection of Music of the era that had some of the audience singing along.The songs,an excellent set, authentic props and above average lighting,combined to give a very beleivable sense of time and place. A well directed play with a cast ranging from good to outstanding.This is a play that has such diversity thay even if someone does not find the overall production their cup of tea they are bound to find at least some moments of joy.One memory that will stay for me forever is that of a young lady[Olivia Bacon] tap dancing while reciting Shakespeare. Well done all,a play that deserves and will probably get full houses Though as of Thursday night, there were still some seats for all remaining nights being the 13th to the 16th of May .

I jumped a night It was Thursday night I saw he play and it is of course playing this evening with a Sunday matinee tomorrow as well as the 13th to the 16th.

It wasn't Olivia tap-dancing, it was Nicola Sarah

My apologies,the auditionees weren't listed in the programme and I attempted to match the image in my head with the cast photo's. It's no wonder I got It wrong when I could'nt even get the day of the week right. Best wishes for the rest of the season