'The Anniversary'
by Bill MacIlwraith

7:30pm Thursday 19th - Saturday 21st April, 2012

Directed by Alan Ward

Felpham Village Hall

It’s South London in the sixties and it’s Mum's anniversary; the only trouble is Dad has been dead for a few years but she insists her family still mark the occasion and woe betide you if you don’t do as she says. Her three sons are employed in the family business, a less than reputable building firm, whose only interest is to put up houses as fast as possible and turn a quick buck, only trouble is they are just as likely to come down again just as quickly. However there is revolt in the air tonight as Terry, her middle son, wants to up sticks and emigrate to Canada with his wife Karen and their five children. Tom, her youngest, has arrived with his latest girlfriend Shirley on his arm and they’ve got big news for Mum. But Mums not having any of it; manipulative, cunning, hypocritical and sometimes just darn right rude and those are just her good points! With an air of charm and emotional blackmail, Mum uses every weapon in her armoury to get her own way (Or does she?)! Amidst all this is Henry, the eldest, who has his own kinky secret. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and at times cringe-worthy; The Anniversary is a dark/black comedy in every sense of the word.

"What a fast-moving play that was! 
Well done everyone, from author onwards.
Thank you for a memorable evening"

CAST
Mum	Sue Bartlett
Tom	Matthew Hughes-Short
Shirley	Deborah Addicott
Henry	Trevor Roman
Terry	Clive Curtis
Karen	Deborah Amor
PRODUCTION
Director	Alan Ward
Stage Manager	David Rosser
Prompt	Sandy Knight
Props	Marion Gear

This was a very polished production that generated strong ticket sales, I’m pleased to say.  The play was brilliantly directed with great attention to detail and finely interpreted both in style and format with plenty of activity taking place on a well constructed set that was furnished according to the life style depicted.  The cast were attired in appropriate costumes and all achieved excellent characterisation.  Sue Bartlett (mum) was superb as the original impossible mother who was never going to like anyone her sons chose to marry.  She held them entirely under her control with her determination and vitriolic tongue.  She took over the stage whenever she appeared which was very frequent.  All three of her sons Matthew Hughes-Short (Tom), Trevor Roman (Henry) and Clive Curtis (Terry) portrayed their very different characters exceptionally well.  All showed the different affects that an overbearing and overpowering woman had had on their lives.  Deborah Amor (Karen, wife of Terry) gave an equally great performance as the unhappy mother of five whose only wish was to emigrate as far away as possible.  She finished up getting stronger and stronger making me hope that she would win her battle.  Last but not least Deborah Addicott (Shirley) the new fiancé stood her ground showing the sons to be the pathetic wimps that they had become.  All six of this cast are to be truly congratulated.  Alan Ward must be very proud of everyone both on and off stage for achieving such a high standard.

21st April 2012