Play Written by Malcolm Young, by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
Directed by Pam Kercher
Seasonal Poetry, Prose and Songs - featuring the Medstead Players
Directed by David Rae
Drama - At the Changing of the Year
New Year's eve and a blizzard is raging around the isolated old house that Ian and Janet have recently purchased.
They await the arrival of Ian's sisters Diana and Julia, but an electricity failure means they are dependent on candles for lighting. The atmosphere inside the house is eerie and this is accentuated when a stranger leaves a parcel for someone they have never heard of.
The mystery and tension increase until the horrifying climax poses the uncomfortable question - which period of time are we in?
Cast:
Janet - Anita Prior
Ian - Stan Whitcher
Diana - Carol Bedingfield
Julia - Sue Ovell
Edward - Michael Fletcher
Lavinia - Kate Tindale
Seasonal poetry, prose and songs:
A selection of prose, poetry and music to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Included are authors such as Shakespeare and Dickens, mixed in with modern pieces from Willy Russell, Sue Townsend, Alan Titchmarsh and others. The music compliments the spoken word, finishing with an audience sing along.
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Cast:
David Rae
Dominic Clifford
Gwen Clifford
Janice Hopwood
Lesley Rae
Young Members:
Bethany Magennis-Prior
Eleanor Noble
Emily Magennis-Prior
Imogen Clifford
Sophie Brine
I had a very enjoyable evening at the first night of this Medstead Players’ production. This was produced by Marion Rogers, and was an intriguing mixture of very well produced items.
The title was the name of the first item, ‘At the Changing of the Year’ by Malcolm Young and directed by Pam Kercher. It was a sort play - virtually a ghost story. The cast: Anita Prior, Stan Whitcher, Carol Bedingfield, Sue Ovell, Michael Fletcher and Kate Tindale, acted very well, bringing the element of fear into our minds, compounded by the scary set and the haunting music whenever the ghost was around.
The second item was called ‘Seasonal Poetry, Prose and Songs’ directed by David Rae. The pianist, Gwen Clifford, accompanied Dominic Clifford, Janice Hopwood, Lesley Rae and David Rae in some really entertaining Christmas songs and prose, the music complementing the prose. A group of young girls: Bethany and Emily Magennis-Prior, Eleanor Noble, Imogen Clifford and Sophie Brine appeared twice, again singing and reading out items which, by their content and amusing delivery, may well have been composed by children. The singing and acting were excellent, the children especially giving a lot of pleasure to the audience, although their speaking voices were not always as loud as one would have liked. Finally the audience were encouraged to join in mostly familiar carols, which they did with gusto. The only criticism I have, is that there were rather too many readings. They were so well chosen and beautifully read that half the number would have been enough. However, they contributed to a very professional production once again – and the mulled wine and mince pies were specially appreciated at the Changing of the Year.
[Jean Gebbett]
I was in dire need of a bit of Christmas Spirit - no, not the alcoholic kind, although that would always go down well - no the Real Spirit. Well I need have looked no further than the Medstead Players Christmas Offering, 'At the Changing of the Year'.
The event was staged in a format which added to the cosy Bon Homie, with the audience seated around tables decorated with pretty tealights in painted glass jars. They really added to the snug ambience. A glass of wine to begin and then we were treated to a seasonal ghost story. 'At the Changing of the Year' by Malcolm Young, directed by Pam Kercher. It was set in a large house in the middle of nowhere on a dark and stormy New Years Eve. The power had failed and visitors were awaited (in Medstead this sounded rather familiar). Needless to say there were a few more visitors than had been expected. The twist at the end was unforeseen and the short play was well acted. Congratulations especially to Michael Fletcher and Kate Tindale, the two very young players. Costume and set were extremely convivial to the general atmosphere especially the 'real' look candles. Well sourced.
Next after a short interval we were treated to recitations and song from Shakespeare to Shirley Valentine, including my favourite 'Twas the Night Before Christmas', all with a Christmas flavour and not a carol in sight.
After the main interval the proceedings continued with more of the same, which while it was well done was a little too long. The appearance of the younger girls dressed in their best Christmas outfits, delighted the audience, and it so good to see a younger element with so much confidence and talent. No doubt the Players will nurture this talent in the future. Finally there was some audience participation carols and familiar Christmas songs to lift the spirits before braving the cold journey home.
Well done on a most enjoyable event. I hope to see more in the future and would like to see some harmony singing as the talent is definitely there.
[Anita Simpson]