HUNTINGDON DRAMA CLUB : ABSENT FRIENDS Director, Dean Laccohee
Performed at the Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon on 16th July, 2009
‘Absent Friends’ is not the best known of Alan Ayckbourn’s works but it was an excellent choice for Huntingdon Drama Club’s summer production. The small, but very well balanced, cast succeeded in extracting every ounce of humour out of the script while, at the same time, not losing sight of the more serious, underlying issues contained within it. Quite a notable achievement. What particularly impressed me were the facial expressions of the cast which remained consistent, contrasting and totally believable throughout. Warren Laccohee seemed very comfortable in the role of John. His low-key approach was especially effective and his timing was perfect. He was well matched by Kelly Mason as the enigmatic Evelyn. As the womaniser, Paul, Mark Lamberth also gave a very well-considered performance and his silent reactions, as much as his natural dominant stance, added considerably to the comedy. As the cheerful and positive Colin, newcomer, Scott Hutchison was also a perfect choice. However, the two performances of the evening undoubtedly came from Carol Wadey and Jeanette Brown. Jeanette, as Marge, had some wonderful lines but her natural flair for comedy and self reflection made this another very memorable performance. This was a very real interpretation. Carol perhaps had the more difficult task as Diana, faced with portraying a range of emotions stretching from calm competence to hysterical breakdown. She rose to the occasion beautifully and was a joy to watch. These six actors worked very well together as a team and Dean Laccohee, undertaking his directorial debut for HDC, has much to be proud of.
Michael G Williamson NODA Regional Representative : District 1