Ealing North
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Steve Pound MP Ealing North |
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June 2005 - Gazette Article Those of a less than generous disposition might suggest that politicians see quite enough of amateur dramatics at Westminster without seeking out productions in their constituencies. Far be it from me to defend the histrionic standards of our Parliamentary democracy but I take second place to no-one in my admiration for the amazing range of amateur theatricals in Ealing North. Earlier this month I was privileged to enjoy the latest production of the Raglan Players at St.Barnabas’ Church Hall in Northolt. The location might suggest something modest to be endured rather than enjoyed. In reality this was quite simply one of the finest plays I have ever seen. “It’s My Manor” was written by Janice Hallett and Sharon Exelby – who has delighted me during many productions – and these two nominally “amateur” playwrights have created a supremely professional work that rips the whole concept of “reality television” to shreds and dances on its corpse. I’ve never seen a production like this before and can only hope that some shrewd entrepreneur picks the script up sharpish and gives the play the exposure it more than deserves. “It’s My Manor” is all about a reality TV show in which the last person left standing wins the stately home in which the programme is set. We see – on the same stage – a group of bitterly cynical journalists, played by James Brockett, Bill Wolfenden and Jaqui Sampson, urging the contestants on to ever greater excess and several groups of viewers – alternately lit and in darkness. Kevin (Liam Tebbit – with generous props of lager, crisps and Sheffield Wednesday tops) and Tracey (Mary Almeida) comment from some hell-hole tower block in the North, Darlene (Emma Twiggins) and Kayleigh (Becky Currie) give the perspective of a couple of teenage girls while, in their Docklands loft, Charles (Richard Edwards)and Sophie (Rochelle Exelby) try not to show that they are enjoying the programme while conducting a conversation between themselves via mobile ‘phones in an amazing piece of theatrical skill. The ever superb Keith Baker plays Tom who watches from an old people’s home with Carol Livingstone who plays Enid and doubles her age with a technically brilliant performance and a fair amount of make-up. Peggy (Wendy Mulhall) and her son Jonathan (Gary Earl) watch from their suburban semi while Ian Rankin and Michael Curley are production crew Roy and Dave. Horror piles on horror as the first reality television suicide follows sexual activity on the staircase and the final nightmare is that, of course, the show is a massive success and recomissioned for a second series. This is a play that combines deep morality with hysterical laughter and left the audience stunned. Felicity Cox’s production was awesome and I can’t thank her and the Raglans enough for proving that there is better theatre in West London than the West End and for having what I only wish was the last word on the contemporary sickness of “reality television”. Have a look at www.raglanplayers.co.uk and book now for the Autumn production – it’ll be a sell-out! |
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| Disclaimer | Copyright | Designed by Bassam Mahfouz. Promoted by Julian Bell, The Labour Party, Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP on behalf of Steve Pound MP |
