The Brindley is one of my favourite venues. I've been lucky enough to perform there and also help out on a few shows. It's a big stage in a 400 seater auditorium, which is available for hire by both professional and non professional companies. The backstage and front of house staff are experienced and very knowledgeable and helpful.
Centenary Theatre Company is a really long established group based in Warrington and present 4 high quality productions a year which are always at the Brindley.
I'd describe Trivial Pursuits as a knockabout comedy but with touches of poignancy and sadness. There is an excellently designed set - the back garden patio of the house owned by Nick (Andrew Dunn) and his put upon wife Roz (Robyn Murphy) Nick is the Thelwood and District Operatic Society's business manager and has brought everyone together to announce the next season's play. Problem is, he has promised a different show and the plum roles to four different society members! He likes to think he's in control but most run rings around him. The debate over what the next production will be dominates the thoughts of all present. Sara Worton's hilarious portrayal of Joyce is one of the highlights of this piece; she regularly gets drunk and is still getting over her disastrous performance in last year's version of "Calamity Jane". Teddy, well played by Matt Orrillard, is very camp and revels in being bitchy with, and to, everyone. There is a key sub plot with the impending divorce of morose Derek (Kenneth McConaghy) and fed up wife Deirdre (Amanda Avery), both of whom are very unhappy that their spouse is at the evening's barbecue. The farcical elements are handled well and the action rattled on apace, very commendable indeed, given that this was the first performance.
Good supporting roles were played by Mona (Hayley Northey), Pearl (Marilyn Baxter) and Jessica (Rebecca Gray). However, particular mention must be given to Peter Brennan as the odd ball and TV obsessed Eddie whom the audience loved every time he appeared.
Congratulations to Ria Hall for her direction and there were good and appropriate sound and lighting cues which worked well. Highly recommended to cheer you on a cold winter's evening. The show continues nightly until Saturday February the 9th; tickets available via the Brindley's website, by calling the box office or on the door.
Reviewer - David Swift
on - 5/2/19
No comments:
Post a Comment