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Broadstone Players War Memorial Hall Broadstone September 2002 
Since ten of the thirteen performers were new members, with several of them teenagers taking to the stage for the first time, the evening could have been a disaster. In the event it was a revelation and, I believe, the best so far of the twelve similar annual evenings.In The Frame, Early Blight, The Dark and Four Queens Wait For Henry all had their share of comedy and pathos, were thoroughly enjoyable and, without exception, had well characterised, confident performances. Although it seems invidious to put the spotlight on any particular individuals when there was so much talent on stage, the performances of Veronica Hemsley-Sharman and Simone Manston, playing mother and daughter in the deeply moving Early Blight, were so outstanding that it would be impossible to ignore them. Both are new to the company but have a wealth of experience gained elsewhere, and their presence, along with that of all the other newcomers, can only enhance the Players’ already high standing. Linda Kirkman Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo Broadstone Players are one of Dorset's premier drama societies and their annual evening of one act plays - playing to virtually sold out houses on each of the three evening performances - goes a long way to maintain that reputation. 
The audience were in for a treat with an excellent selection of four diverse one act plays along with a fish'n'chip supper, a glass of tipple and a raffle during the interval. The evening began with some light hearted banter from chairman Gary Paine, who reminded the audience that the evening, along with performances from established members, was also a show case for ten new members.The opening play ”In the Frame”, written and directed by Vic Bussey, revolves around two rival photographers who are both out to win the photographer of the year competition with some underhand tactics along the way. The action takes place in photographer Greg Robert's studio. Greg, played by Nick Roth, sparred convincingly with receptionist Gemma, played by newcomer Elizabeth Feltham to give an enjoyable opening scene. Collette Hancock gave a good performance, as did the photographer's shopaholic wife Kim, performed by Mally Tieche. Jean McConnell's “Early Blight” was the second performance of the evening and takes place on a seaside promenade. It tells an emotional story of deceits and lies and the relationship between an elderly mother, Helen, played by Veronica Hemsley-Sharman and her middle aged daughter June played by Simone Manson. Both actresses gave superb performances of this play for which, in the past, they have been nominated for festival awards and Veronica won Best Actress in one of the novice categaries at the Shaftesbury Festival a couple of years ago. However, Peter Rebbette's brilliant direction on this occasion gave the characters more depth, which resulted in faultless, polished performances. Following the interval we were taken back to the 1930's for B. Y. Galloways, “The Dark”. Newcomers James Cooke as Quayle and Tom Sainsbury as Morgan gave excellent performances as two lighthouse keepers who have been cooped up together for far too long! Credit goes toGwyneth Long for skilful direction in an amusing play, which has dark undertones and a gripping ending. The evening drew to a close with “Four Queens wait for Henry” by L. Du Garde Peach. Authentic period costumes set the scene in which Lyn Richell had bravely taken on the task of directing four newcomers in this amusing play about the afterlife of four of Henry the Eighth's wives. Established Broadstone Players member Sarah Long competently played Katherine of Aragon and as the main character was the anchor for new members to base their performance. Vicky Kearly played the bored angel, with Sophie Osborn as Anne Boleyn, Beccie Fewings as Catherine Howard and Emily Bustard as Jane Seymour. It was refreshing to see new young members give their all in what was for some their first time on stage and clearly enjoying playing in front of an appreciative audience. Kimberly Hilton Courtesy of the Broadstone and Poole Community Magazine The top picture is of some of the cast of the Four Queens The other shows the two lighthouse keepers from "The Dark" |
