Written by Michael Pertwee
Directed by Anita Prior
Just because the beginning of a play appears to be the end of a story, what follows isn't necessarily predictable.
The Medstead Players, in their presentation of Michael Pertwee's mystery thriller, Night Was Our Friend, certainly showed that they know how to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. With some fine acting skills, they maintained the psychological tension in the best of thespian traditions. A wife is acquitted of her husband's murder but is she really guilty and would anyone believe her if she wasn't? It's a plot full of intrigue and a challenge for any amateur theatre company. But, under the direction of Anita Prior, the Medstead cast pull it off with conviction and confidence.
There's an impeccable performance by Larraine Fisher as Sally, the young wife trying to understand the mental torment of a husband back from the dead but with unforgettable memories of lost RAF friends and, it would appear.
His anguish is superbly portrayed by Nick Cooper, pacing the stage, nerves on edge, snapping at everyone.
Another fine contribution is that of Neil Higgins as Dr John Harper, he plays the part with a delicate blend of strength and sensitivity, reflecting the young doctor's soul-searching as he finds that his love for Sally is not something that can be forgotten.
Stan Whitcher gives another stalwart performance as the family doctor while Dianne Nicholls, as Martin's mother, gives a convincing display.
Tina Higgins plays the maid, Kate, and Paul Cox is Cooper, the newspaper reporter.
Pam Kercher produced the show with Richard Smith as stage manager. With Peter Prior and Paul Prior, Richard also helped to construct the attractive set, which was designed by Tana Riviere.
For their autumn production Night Was Our Friend by Michael Pertwee, the Medstead Players returned to a traditional set piece drama, in complete contrast to the presentation earlier this year of Earthrise.
The play is set in the lake 1940s early 1950s and concerns the mystery surrounding the death of a young pilot Martin Raynor (Nick Cooper).
In the opening scene, a BBC news broadcaster announces the acquittal of his wife Sally (Larraine Fisher) who had been on trial for his murder. But was this the correct verdict, as Sally had constantly refused to answer many crucial questions put to her during the trial? As the play unfolds the circumstances leading up to Martin's death are revealed.
Larraine played the part of Sally with remarkable composure and maturity. She has a good stage presence and expressed the torn emotions of her character extremely well.
Neil Higgins was very convincing as Sally's besotted lover, Dr. John Harper, and the atmosphere of awkwardness between him and Sally was well created by them both.
Stan Whitcher slipped comfortably into the part of Dr. Glanville, the perceptive old family GP with a liking for Scotch. In fact, the amount of alcohol Glanville was called upon to consume caused some amusement and helped to lessen the tension of the various fraught relationships.
As Emily Raynor, Martin's mother, Dianne Nicholls, showed just the night account of fussy over protectiveness towards her son. Her facial expression gestures and body language justified the exasperation she provoked amongst the others.
Martin himself was played very effectively by Nick Cooper. His restlessness, disjointed speech and irritability all conveyed the character of a man unable to come to terms with the sensible things he had experienced. As he became uncertain of his mental stability he increasingly relied on Sally until she was eventually forced into the fatal course of actions.
Cooper, the newspaper reporter was played with a convincing Greater London accent by Paul Cox. The part, although small, imported vital details of the plot to the audience. This was also, to some extent, the role of Kate the Maid, played with great relish by Tina Higgins. At times she also helped to lighten the mood of what was overall, a very tense story.
The attractive set, which received a round of applause from the appreciative audience, was well up to the Medstead Players standard, thanks to Dick Smith and his team.
The post-war costumes and furnishings were authentic and Tchaikovsky's music provided just the right atmosphere.
There were one or two moments of sudden physical action, in what was primarily a play of words and personal relationships, which prevented the proceedings getting tedious. When Dr. Glanville suddenly slapped Sally around the face with uncharacteristic venom there was a shocked reaction from the audience.
The complexity of the plot and the use of flashbacks in the format of the play made this a demanding production both to perform and direct.
Much credit must go to all concerned, but in particular to the director, Anita Prior, who managed to draw fine performances from all her cast. Their characterisation throughout was excellent and together with the slick production team behind scenes and at Front of House, the Medstead Players can proudly chalk this up, as another winner. [Pam Kercher]
The action throughout takes place in the sitting room of Sally Raynor's cottage in Surrey. The time is late 1940's - 1950's
Cast:
Emily Raynor - Dianne Nicholls
Dr Glanville - Stan Whitcher
Kate - Tina Higgins
Cooper - Paul Cox
Sally Raynor - Larraine Fisher
Dr John Harper - Neil Higgins
Martin Raynor - Nick Cooper
