...unOriginal Sin

 A Comedy with a little extra bite...
by David Tristram
8 - 11 October 2003

Director                  Heidi Ashton

The Cast

NODA Review

11th October 2003

On Saturday 11th October, I was delighted to be invited to review Shinfield's latest production "unOriginal Sin", it being the final night. I had not seen this play before, or seen any of the rehearsals, so I had no idea of the content, apart from what was described in the programme, so I took my seat in the auditorium, with anticipation. I was not disappointed, as this was one of the funniest comedies I have seen in a long time, which had both myself and the audience laughing from beginning to the end, all enhanced by an excellent cast who worked within a superb set. It is this sort of production which makes my job as NODA Rep' easy, because in all fairness, there was nothing in this performance that I could criticize. It was beautifully directed, brilliantly acted and fabulously staged - Well done to all concerned.

Gordon Bird - (FATHER TOMLIN) - From Gordon's first entry in the prologue, I did not recognise him, so good was his characterisation and which extended to the voice which was well sustained throughout, and I had to refer to my programme to find out who the character was played by. Although not one of the main characters, Gordon had enormous impact. Here was an experienced actor who made the most of his part. Good diction, facial expressions and movement - A faultless performance.

Alex Segrave - (JENNY) - How good to see Alex back on stage at Shinfield and what a superb job she made of this part, completely believable. Here was another experienced actress who knows the strength of the spoken word with just the right inflections being used, making the script come to life. Her movements about the stage area was perfect, as was her facial expressions and her confrontations with her husband 'Bill' was a joy to watch. Diction could not be bettered as I could hear every word at the back of the auditorium - Congratulations on a perfect performance.

Nigel Dawes - (BILL) - Nigel has the ability of all good actors to believe every word of the script, this ensures that the pointing of lines, the pauses and expressions are all in the right place. This is something that I have admired in Nigel over the years and it is this attention that raises a good performance to an unforgettable one. His movements were relaxed, his facial expressions a joy to watch and his characterisation could not be faulted - A super performance.

Karen Green - (EVE) - This young lady is a welcome addition to the Shinfield stage and certainly bodes well for the future, so hang on to her Shinfield. Karen gave the part of 'Eve' just the right characterisation and her drunken scene was well portrayed. This aspect of theatre craft is one of the more difficult disciplines, as performers are inclined to go 'over the top', but this had just the right amount of inebriation to make it believable. Movement about the stage was confident with some delightful facial expressions. Diction was good but the voice needed just a little more projection to reach the back of the auditorium. Apart from that small comment - Congratulations on a fine debut and I hope to see many more.

Derek Lockwood - (MILES) - As the one-time friend of 'Bill' who has fallen out with him on the discovery of his underpants on the lampshade of his wife's bedroom, Derek was great. This part allowed him to display all his pent up emotions and which he grasped with both hands. Here was another performer who interpreted the script correctly, giving all the correct nuances. Good diction and projection throughout and a well sustained character - Congratulations.

Sam Kozlowski - (NEVILLE) - This was only a secondary role in the overall production but Sam ensured that it had the right impact. As the shy, simplistic boyfriend of 'Eve', he was spot-on. With very few words, he conveyed to the audience his true character by wonderful facial expressions and a costume that enhanced the role. A super 'Cameo' part - Well played.

Heidi Ashton - (DIRECTOR) - This was a superb production Heidi. Although you had a strong cast it still needs the sure hand of a good director to get the best out of them and this you certainly did. All characterisation were spot-on. Movement about the stage, perfect, ensuring a balanced stage at all times and the cast had been well rehearsed so that there was a magical flow to the whole proceedings, so good in fact that time flew and I was surprised when the end came. This was a production that I could not fault in any way and would stand up against any professional company performing the same play - Congratulations and take a bow, you deserve it.

Stage Manager & Crew - Although the play consisted of one set with no set changes, this appeared a well managed stage by Guy Cleall, and which ensured smooth continuity throughout the performance.

Lighting Design & Operation - This was a good lighting plot by Brian Hardy ensuring that the whole stage area was well lit with no dark spots or shadows thrown on the scenery. The lamps had been fitted with the right coloured 'Gell's' ensuring that the right atmosphere was generated on stage. The lighting operation was spot-on by Graham Vockins on the night of my visit with no visible late cues - Well done.

Set Design and Construction - This was an exceptional set design and is probably one of the best I have seen at Shinfield for some little while. The staging had been brought forward of the proscenium arch and filled the full width of the theatre giving the cast a lot more room on stage, giving them the opportunity to move instead of appearing stilted. It had been very well constructed, looking solid and the decor could not be faulted - Congratulations to all concerned

Properties - All properties used had been well thought out and fitted the action on stage, particularly the preponderance of whisky bottles!! Somebody was obviously kept busy ensuring they were filled! Set dressing was excellent, depicting well a fairly affluent living room.

Prompt - One of the many unsung heroes in any production to ensure that all goes with a swing and there are no ghastly pauses. On this occasion I did not hear the prompt used at all. If one was used, then it was done so surreptitiously that one did not notice, the sign of a good prompt.

Costumes - A lot of thought had gone into the costumes ensuring that they fitted the period displayed and also the various characters.

Make-up - The make-up had been well applied with the right coloured bases and highlights being applied so that they stood up well under the strong stage lights. The character make-up for 'Father Tomlin' was exceptionally good as, although I have known Gordon for a number of years, I did not recognise him when he came on stage and had to refer to my programme to see who was playing the part.

Programme - The programme was a convenient size with an eye-catching cover. It contained all the relevant information but it appeared on the flimsy side. Perhaps consideration could be given to a better quality of paper being used which would then give an opportunity for cast photographs to be included!

Front of House - Front of House staff were well in attendance, smartly dressed and welcoming to their audience. This aspect appears to have improved over recent shows - Well done.

Thank you for inviting me to review your latest production and for your excellent hospitality, well up to the Shinfield standard. I have nothing but praise for this production and which has certainly lifted Shinfield's reputation in the theatrical arena - Congratulations to all concerned.

Henry Hawes - NODA Representative - Region 13.