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THE CLEARING
Bournemouth Little Theatre Club
Their Club Theatre
Jameson Road, Winton
July 2005

WITH the marching season currently underway in Northern Ireland, this drama is a timely reminder of the historical background to those events. And the 17th century conflict between Royalists & Roundheads, Catholics & Protestants, and their effect on the lives of ordinary people, all interwoven with a strong feminist sub-text, makes for powerful theatre.
Such a play calls for strong performances, and these were in abundance in David Weeks’ excellent production. David, taking on the role of Protestant landowner Robert Preston at short notice, displayed with telling effect the agonising dilemma of a man caught between loyalty to his Catholic wife and saving his own skin. And Tanya Alexander really tugged at the heart-strings with her portrayal of the dutiful but strong-willed wife.
Helping to fill in the broader picture of the times, Noel Davenport and Patricia Richardson displayed the utter despair of farmers Solomon & Susaneh Winter, striving to keep their land against Cromwell’s military might. His regime was chillingly personified by Peter Beebee as the Governor, Sir Charles Sturman, in a performance so evil in its characterisation that he was booed at the curtain call.
Natalie Williams (Killaine Farrell), Tim Garton (Pierce Kinsellagh) and Clifford Page (Commissioner) added further authenticity to this superb production.
But ‘Silent Night’ in 1653? I think not.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo


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