For their final production before entering the scary world of adulthood and professionalism, the third year graduating students of Manchester Metropolitan University's School Of Theatre students went out in a true blaze of colour with this stunning, honest, emotional, and sympathetic retelling of the true story of, 'The Accrington Pals'....Well, the truth of the story in as far as the historical accuracy of the forming and fate of the 'Pals' is true, however, the rest is an imagined storyline, but it felt true, and so easily could have been.
Peter Whelan's script does not pull any punches, and is firmly set in the place and the era, both in terms of language and attitude, as well as historical accuracies. Director Kate Congrave Pope most sensibly embraced this wholeheartedly, and consolidated both the place (Accrington and the Western Front), as well as the time (1914/5), with zeal. A dialect coach (Abii Strudwicke) was enlisted to help with the local pronunciations, whilst much effort had been given to replicate contemporaneous props and costumes, which all helped enormously in the telling of this tragic story.
In fact, the dedication of the creative team in general went beyond the bounds that one would normally associate with a student production. The sound design, the lighting and effects, the set - washing lines with clothes drying forming the base whilst a large double-sided market stall-cum-kitchen unit, all worked ecxcellently. My only one criticism in this regard would be the "dream sequence" in the denouement, where the disembodied echoey voice of Rivers was at times inaudible due to the split-second time differential between his speaking and the mic'd echo. In the same scene, I might also make comment that the stark realism created by Tom's lacerated body was not in keeping with the imagery and stylisation of the rest of the production. Such stark realism seemed out of place when everything before this was suggested in a highly effective but stylised manner.
However, this was a hugely proficient production, performed by actors and actresses who are, in all but name and financial reward, professional. The 'connections' or 'chemistry' between the company was truly phenomemal, with the tragic parts of the script handled beautifully and sensitively. There are some moments of comedy which are brought out with skill and never overplayed; whilst this community drama {forget Coronation Street, it has nothing on this!} was captivating from the moment it started until the end of the nicely sung a capella song after the curtain call.
May (Catherine Attwood), Eva (Maria Perry), Heather Campbell-Ferguson (Sarah), Rosie Walker (Bertha), Frankie Lipman (Annie), William Meek (Ralph), Angus Stoble (Tom), John Smollen (Arthur), Andrew Halstein (Reggie), and Jimmy Roberts (CSM Rivers), all need recognising for their commitment to this difficult and wordy play, bringing it vividly to life, with totally believable - despite the age disparity of the cast - and relatable characters. Heartfelt, tragic, truthful, and powerful; this was a most fitting send-off for the graduates, and a play that they will undoubtedly remember for the rest of their lives.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 27.5.22
on - 27.5.22
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