Wife After Death
Review by Fiona Murchie
“Wife after Death” – it sounds like a farce and Crieff Drama Group’s spring production was indeed very funny. Under Gordon N Campbell’s skilful direction, though, the cast were able to activate the darker moments in the play which made the comedy shine all the brighter.
Glamorous widow Laura, confidently played by Fiona Wellstood, has laid on a flamboyant funeral for her comedian husband and National Treasure, Dave Thursby whose hearty lifestyle has resulted in an early death.
While Dave lies in state in an open coffin in their sitting room, his closest associates reminisce about the man they thought he was. Gradually, as Dave’s secrets are revealed, the characters come to realise the emotional power he wielded over them and their illusions of him as a great friend and man are shattered.
As Dave’s oldest friend, the writer Harvey Barrett has perhaps the most to learn. Mike Owens was excellent as Harvey, demonstrating a believable range of emotions from sorrow to insecurity to disbelief that he covered for Dave whilst Dave was having an affair with Harvey’s wife Vi. The moment at which this is revealed gave Helen Day a wonderful opportunity to show that facial expression paired with superb comic timing is very effective. This was a standout moment in an assured performance from Helen.
The audience know from early on that Dave had caused his agent Kevin Prewitt to stammer and Kevin’s wife Jane to blush. John Cumming’s portrayal of Kevin as full of fake bravado was spot on as was the timing of his convincing stammer. At first, Jane Prewitt seemed an unlikely person for Dave to have been having (another) affair with, but as the play unfolded and Jane’s motives are revealed, it was clear that Ann Morrison had pitched the character perfectly.
The final cast member was Elizabeth Rapczynska as Dave’s wife Kay from many years ago before he became successful. Elizabeth was ideally cast as the mysterious woman who turned out to be the keeper of many of Dave’s darkest secrets
.
As with all of Crieff Drama Group’s productions, there is a small army of people involved backstage creating the set, operating the lighting and generally making sure that everything runs smoothly. Once again, the Group is to be commended for providing three nights of excellent entertainment. With at least three more productions this year the Group are as busy as ever. Take the opportunity to see them in action or get involved – new members are always welcome!
Glamorous widow Laura, confidently played by Fiona Wellstood, has laid on a flamboyant funeral for her comedian husband and National Treasure, Dave Thursby whose hearty lifestyle has resulted in an early death.
While Dave lies in state in an open coffin in their sitting room, his closest associates reminisce about the man they thought he was. Gradually, as Dave’s secrets are revealed, the characters come to realise the emotional power he wielded over them and their illusions of him as a great friend and man are shattered.
As Dave’s oldest friend, the writer Harvey Barrett has perhaps the most to learn. Mike Owens was excellent as Harvey, demonstrating a believable range of emotions from sorrow to insecurity to disbelief that he covered for Dave whilst Dave was having an affair with Harvey’s wife Vi. The moment at which this is revealed gave Helen Day a wonderful opportunity to show that facial expression paired with superb comic timing is very effective. This was a standout moment in an assured performance from Helen.
The audience know from early on that Dave had caused his agent Kevin Prewitt to stammer and Kevin’s wife Jane to blush. John Cumming’s portrayal of Kevin as full of fake bravado was spot on as was the timing of his convincing stammer. At first, Jane Prewitt seemed an unlikely person for Dave to have been having (another) affair with, but as the play unfolded and Jane’s motives are revealed, it was clear that Ann Morrison had pitched the character perfectly.
The final cast member was Elizabeth Rapczynska as Dave’s wife Kay from many years ago before he became successful. Elizabeth was ideally cast as the mysterious woman who turned out to be the keeper of many of Dave’s darkest secrets
.
As with all of Crieff Drama Group’s productions, there is a small army of people involved backstage creating the set, operating the lighting and generally making sure that everything runs smoothly. Once again, the Group is to be commended for providing three nights of excellent entertainment. With at least three more productions this year the Group are as busy as ever. Take the opportunity to see them in action or get involved – new members are always welcome!
