Arsenic and Old Lace
Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring
Production Date: 25th - 27th April 2024
Directed by: Simon Johnson
Photography by Andrew McKerlie: www.mckerlie.co.uk
Review: Arsenic and Old Lace / The Wychwood Players
Wychwood Players Presents ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ - A Delightfully Enchanting Comic Drama
Multi-tasking seems to be a prerequisite for the Wychwood Players’ latest production, Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, set in 1940s Brooklyn in the home of the Brewster family.
Director, Simon Johnson, has not only pulled together a highly entertaining, witty and hauntingly scary production, but also designed and built the impressive set with the aid of stage manager Bob Days and the assistance of stagehand Alex Johnson together with other crew and cast volunteers.
When not performing as the menacingly insane Dr Einstein, Anthony Gofton worked his usual magic managing sound, providing music in keeping with the period in which the play is set. It is good to see Anthony on stage instead of at the rear of the hall for a change, showcasing his other talents.
Lighting, thanks to the skills of Tony Mellerick, seemed all the more effective since the addition of blackout blinds in the New Beaconsfield Hall, adding to the tension and mood throughout, particularly during the nighttime scenes.
Seasoned actors Rose Hartley and Hazel Hughes presented the Brewster sisters magnificently and with convincing aplomb, delightfully enchanting in their sympathies whilst killing off their lodgers. Their gentleness and old-fashioned innocence (despite their propensity to murder) contrasted perfectly with the menacing undercurrent of violence provided by the monstrous Jonathan and Dr Einstein, played by Rik Yapp and Anthony Gofton, scarily intrusive as unwanted visitors to the household.
John McCormick played Teddy beautifully, mixing madness with humour as well as with the aid of a rather loud bugle!
The vicar was reverently performed by Wychwood Players regular, versatile actor Phillip Croxson, who also played Mr Witherspoon, Head of the Happydale Sanatorium.
This production saw the Wychwood Players bring several new members to the stage with great success.
Elaine was played by new member Sarah Gilbey, a feisty young lady newly engaged to the hero of the plot, Mortimer Brewster, played by Andy Belchambers. Andy goes from strength to strength with the Wychwood Players and brought a fresh energy to the play as the shocked nephew and theatre critic from New York.
Police officers Brophy and Klein were portrayed well by newcomer to the group, Samantha Broadhurst and Vikki Days, enjoying the natural camaraderie and officialdom one might expect in a small town at this time. Sam Nel played officer O’Hara with aplomb and maturity beyond his years.
Steve Banyard as potential lodger, Mr Gibbs, provided a pleasing cameo as the one who got away and Ralph Wears added wit and humour as Lieutenant Rooney in the final scene, whilst both also managed publicity for the production.
The whole cast and crew are to be congratulated for a most enjoyable production, bringing to life this fine period play with the usual Wychwood Players professionalism. As a local amateur group, Wychwood Players should be proud of the high standard of productions it continues to present.