Stane Street Players

Our autumn production will be the cheeky ‘Dirty Dusting’ and our Pantomime in January 2017 will be  a reprise of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

In spring 2017 we will produce a never before seen version of ‘Our Man in Havana’ Details of times, dates and venues to follow In the meantime we are basking in the praise lavished upon us for Gaslight by the reviewer from NODA… see below!

STANE STREET PLAYERS GASLIGHT

Director Nick Mason Performed at the Empire Theatre Halstead       

21^ST May 2016  

“Gaslight” written by Patrick Hamilton in 1938 is a Victorian Thriller which has also been filmed twice. Set in a typical Victorian house with it’s very sombre furnishings, it conveyed a sense of coldness which is exactly what was intended to set the mood for the events which were to unfold before us. Mr Manningham played by Duncan McCubbine, was excellent as the domineering husband trying to convince his gentle wife that she was losing her mind. A very strong character was played by Duncan with little emotion towards anyone, yet an eye for one of his maids who he took a liking to.A very well controlled and convincing character, little knowing the events which were to follow. Anna James as his wife was also very well cast, with her emotions ranging from delight when her husband showed a little kindness towards her, which changed to fury within minutes, showing his mean cruel manner leaving her emotionally distraught and almost hysterical.Anna gave us a huge sense of wanting to please her husband, but failing every time and aware that she was on the verge of despair at ever getting it right. Then out of the blue came Rough a retired Detective who had through a member of the staff at the Manningham’s house alerted him to the events which were being played out there.Rough played by Julian Prime as a be-whiskered rather kindly gentleman towards Mrs Manningham was to become her saviour in the situation and quietly gave her hope that she was not going mad. Julian did so well with this character in getting the story of his connections with Mr Manningham through to this scared little person, giving his character the edge when eventually coming face to face with her tormentor.Well played and good timimg which was essential. Kim Richardson as Nancy the maid was a saucy little madam,not at all afraid of the dominant Master of the house.Her entry on to the stage was a bright one in the gloomy house which lightened the mood.Very keen to win over the Master at any cost with every encouragement from him. Elizabeth the more senior maid played by Dorinda Meekings was careful in knowing her place with her employer,and played the dutiful servant very well, aware however of the tensions between her employers. The conclusion of the play was well directed and all was resolved with the story finishing to a rather satisfactory end when Mr Manningham’s true identity was revealed. The costumes were good and in keeping and the technical effects well executed. A most enjoyable evening and a good choice for the society with this melodrama. Very well done to all the cast(including the rather nervous looking Policemen) and of course the production team who must have worked hard to achieve this very good standard.