The Sum Of Our Parts, Barking Up The Wrong Tree, Switching Tracks, The Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth, Friday 4th and Saturday 5th March, 7.30pm
By Jenna Richards
It is a rare event to watch a play where one actor can take to the stage and captivate you for the duration – especially when it’s an amateur production.
But the Wind Up Theatre Company pairing of actor Marnie Pyne and the writing of Cally Hayes did just that.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree introduced us to middle aged spinster Miss Graham, a woman who was a little confused by life and afraid to speak up for herself. The topical tale saw a lonely Miss Graham take a bizarre journey through the health service and make a life changing discovery about what it means to be part of The Big Society.
The play was staged with a simple set and few props. But brought to life an engaging three dimensional character, whose story I desperately wanted to hear. This performance was a mark of brilliance in both acting and writing.
The Wind Up Theatre Company production incorporated three plays, and none of them disappointed.
The title show, The Sum of Our Parts, By Lucindia Bell was a masterful piece of writing with an unusual twist in the tale.
With a bigger cast and a more complicated plot the action seemed a little strange at first. But the audience was greatly rewarded for sticking with it until the revelation of a gruesome twist suddenly brought the whole play into focus.
To tell you the plot would give away the wonderful twist that made this so totally different to anything I’ve seen before. Save to say, an uninvited guest stumbles into a cocktail party and is made to feel far from welcome. But he quickly realises he has something the strange guests need, and he may never be able to leave!
The last play in the production was also brilliantly acted and wholly engaging.
Switching Tracks by Nick Discombe is the story of Cissy and Nell, two strangers who meet beneath the tracks of St Thomas train station in Exeter.
The women strike up an unlikely friendship and make a controversial deal that will allow each to pursue their dreams.
Fantastic acting and a simple yet incredibly effective set brought the story of Cissy and Nell to life. Their tale was told through their interaction with each other and those around them. The plot was brought to life without the need for endless props and set changes – a mark of great acting.
The small intimate venue of Exmouth’s Blackmore Theatre keept you close to the action. I could almost reach out and touch the stage. It created a warm friendly atmosphere and being able to grab a cup of tea and biscuit in the bar during the interval was a lovely touch.