Adapted by Tim Kelly
Directed by Ann Penn
Medstead Players ambitious Spring production was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's spine chiller, "The Hound of the Baskervilles."
They produced a polished performance that kept their audience on the edge of their seats, using dramatic skills to create and sustain the tension arid, suspense on which success depends.
They combined powerful acting with especially effective timing, delivery and emphasis that was a fine tribute to the direction of Ann Penn.
The changes in pace that are so essential if this classic tale is to come over well on stage were cleverly and convincingly achieved.
With, Stan Whitcher in the role of Sherlock Holmes and Matthew Parratt as the reliable Watson, the scene was set as Lady Agatha Mortimer (Pam Kercher) told them of the dreaded curse of Baskerville Hall.
Kathy Whitcher as the young maid Perkins, Ron Whitcher as the butler Barrymore and Dianne Nicholls as the house keeper produced suitably rustic dialects while John Gregory was a superb Sir Henry Baskerville.
The bubbly Kathy Stapleton was played by Sara Cook and her brother Jack (Phil Diment) made a dramatic entry as he tore her from Sir Henry's arms and threw her across the stage.
Penny Kercher made a promising acting debut as Laura Lyons, having previously sung, danced, and provided piano accompaniment for the Medstead company.
The set was made by stage manager Tony Newman, Peter Prior and Phil Diment, and designed by Mike Overy who was also responsible for the lighting and sound effects.
As David Gower would be the first to admit, 'You cannot win them all', and, this week-end, the Medstead Players failed to maintain their normally high standard in their Spring show.
The Hound of the Baskervilles was a most unfortunate choice for their presentation. It is an old fashioned story, utterly devoid of humour, and undoubtedly very popular in Victorian days, but now, so hackneyed that it would have needed a miracle of theatrical skill, to create any feeling of urgency or suspense.
The players did their best against the odds. Stan Whitcher was, as usual, a tower of strength as Sherlock Holmes, shrewd, watchful and utterly conceited revealing nothing until the final curtain.
Matthew Parratt, as Dr. Watson, did not look up to the promise he has shown in previous roles. He did not look like the elderly companion of the eccentric detective. His movements and manners were stilted and unnatural, but he knew his lines and he spoke very clearly.
Pam Kercher was quietly convincing as Lady Agatha, the principal beneficiary, and suspect number one, and Kathy Whitcher was excellent as the timid young housemaid. Ron Whitcher was the butler - and butlers are always suspect in melodramas - immaculate and respectful, he maintained his air of mystery throughout.
His wife, the housekeeper, who shared his secret, was very innocently attracting suspicion through her loyalty to her absconding brother. John Gregory was Sir Henry, hearty, self-satisfied and rather overpowering until it was disclosed that his girlfriend, Sara Cook was already married.
Sara was the woman with the guilty secret. Coy and affectionate as the simple country girl, she showed her true nature when she was denounced as the wife of her so-called brother. Sara played the part well, but tended to gabble her words when she was over excited.
Her husband, Jack, was played by Phil Diment, but there was little in his part for him to make anything of. Newcomer to the stage was Penny Kercher, pretty as a picture, she made a good start and it was fortunate that it was such a poor play in which to make her debut.
In the final scene she spoke her lines rather too quietly, but she looked the part and will prove a great asset to the company.
The set was excellent, as are all Medstead productions, except for that glaring portrait, so out of place among those Gainsboroughs and Constables.
I was surprised that Ann Penn allowed a few anachronisms to creep in - very powerful electric torches were produced to sweep the moors, and Lady Agatha made a point of putting on her very modern plastic framed glasses to read a document. My heart sank when that very muddy boot was carefully placed in the middle of the rich velvet cushion.
The costumes and properties were good, and the prompter had an easy time. It was a pity that so much time and effort went into presenting this adaptation of an old fashioned thriller that was quite unsuitable for the stage.
N.C.
Cast:
Lady Agatha Mortimer - Pam Kercher
Perkins, a young maid - Kathy Whitcher
Dr. Watson - Matthew Parratt
Sherlook Holmes - Stan Whitcher
Mrs. Barryraore, the housekeeper - Dianne Nicholls
Sir Henry Baskerville - John Gregory
Barryraore, the butler - Ron Whitcher
Kathy Stapleton - Sara Cook
Jack Stapleton - Phil Diment
Laura Lyons - Penny Kercher
