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The
Darling Buds of May Just as going to see the film of a favourite book causes some nervousness, it was with a certain amount of trepidation that I entered the William Loveless Hall to see Phyllis Richardson’s production of The Darling Buds of May for the Wivenhoe Players. We had all loved the television version of nine or ten years ago; how would Phyllis find a Catherine Zita Jones, a David Jason or a Pam Ferris for her cast list? Reassured by Mike Mount’s fascinating set (Mike is a builder of ingenious sets – his was the revolving, three-continent spectacular in the Players’ 1998 production of Ladies Who Lunch) – we sat back in happy anticipation. After all, we go out for an enjoyable time and are halfway to being entertained by seeing old friends and acquaintances among the audience. Yet had we been the grumpiest, most nit-picking audience ever to take our seats, we must surely have emerged charmed, content, and refreshed from such a show. The four main characters – Pop, Ma, Mariette and Charley – conveyed the spirit of H.E.Bates’ story and managed to look quite like their television role models too. Chris Cudmore was rarely off the stage, keeping up his character’s mixture of bright ideas and bon-homie throughout; an amazing performance. Penny Mount, as Ma, was every bit the earth mother, every gesture in character and always the perfect foil for Pop. The earnest and bewildered Charley (Ben Poole) and the sweet but determined Mariette (Daisy Marsden) were a delight to watch; both should go far. Together this quartet carried the show along and all the other splendid moments were icing on the cake. Georgina Percival’s Edith was just ‘perfick’; how is it that Georgina can just walk on to the stage, shuffle her face about a bit, and electrify us all with her stage presence? The children were all just right, adding exuberance to the early scenes to set the mood. The director cleverly used them to bring movement to some otherwise static scenes, such as the meal-table and the post-gymkhana party. Of course, this is cloud cuckoo land; the unbelievable moments came from the script, not the acting – all the children immediately setting about the chores after one word from Ma! – but none of the large audience seemed to think any the worse of it for that. Phyllis also very inventively used mime to show Charley’s proposal to Mariette in the garden, while another piece of important dialogue was taking place indoors. The birdsong, farmyard noises, costumes, props and lighting all worked together to make this one of the best productions for many years. Scene changes were quietly and neatly achieved. As Angela said to Pop after the gymkhana: “Blistering success!” Phyllis Richardson, her cast and helpers, should all feel justly proud of themselves for this first-rate entertainment. Susannah Bradley |
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| Zoe Summers and Sarah Rout by the set of The Darling Buds of May | Part of the set of The Darling Buds of May created by Michael Mount and crew. |
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Cast of the Darling Buds of May |
A video was made of the Darling Buds of May. Copies are just £5 and can be ordered by calling Phil Munro on tel : 01206 826700 |
| Darling Buds of May was directed by Phyllis Richardson (See right) | |
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