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Cast |
| Doll Common |
Ailsa Oliver |
| Nell Gwyn |
Alison Whitehead |
| Elizabeth Farley |
Miranda van Rossum |
| Mary Betterton |
Jenny Stewart |
| Rebecca Marshall |
Sharon Burton |
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Directed by David Burton |
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| Director's Commentary |
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Well
it seemed like a good idea at the time: to follow the
predominantly male cast of 'The Weir' with the all-female 'Playhouse
Creatures', just to even things out. Although the former unfolded as one
continuous scene in real time and the latter took place over a number of years
in eighteen short scenes they both had strong, well defined characters and
cracking dialogue.
So just how hard would it be for an amateur drama group to find five women? A lot
harder than it looked – in the end only five women were willing and able.
But they were all really up for it – I was expecting some resistance from
Sharon and Jenny about the breast-baring Amazon bit but they just got on with
it. In fact everyone just got on with it, which was just as well as I was
suffering from director fatigue after ‘The Weir’. So the fact that we
delivered a quality production is down to the cast and crew rather than to me.
So although the performances were of a high standard, the costumes looked
fantastic and the audiences were responsive, I didn't feel my own contribution
was up to scratch. Oh well David
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The Citics Rave |
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"The Chameleon Players
put on a fantastic show", enthused the Hull Daily Mail, "This
saucy, hilarious and moving piece was acted with vigour and huge commitment by
the all-female cast. Each one of them gave incredible and impressive
performances, typical of this extremely fine and talented group. The play was
tastefully and forcefully directed, creating an open space for the performances
(helped by superb costumes) to really shine. I must say it's been a long time
since I've had such an enjoyable time at the theatre". |
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| Quote, Unquote |
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This
production was an absolute pleasure to be involved in. Everybody gave it their
very best, and I think it showed. I loved my part, which gave me an
opportunity to really show off: hell and damnation preaching, 'little miss
high and mighty', and then those two emotional scenes at the end, begging
for pennies in the gutter. Special
praise is due to the director for trusting us enough to just let us get on with
it, and also many thanks to Helen for all her help with the quick costume
changes and especially for those brilliant bruises! Miranda
Well
another stonker of a production. Another great part - although I still don't
think I got my last scene right. Excellent cast (even though I say so myself).
Again rehearsals were a pleasure, okay we had ups and downs but on the whole we
had a laugh but knew when we had to concentrate. Alison was fantastic in only
her second role with us. Jenny was superb as the 'matriarch' but Ailsa really
"ran" with Doll - what a fab character. Personally
I don't want to see the sewing machine for a while Sharon |
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I loved playing Doll Common. She
was so GRUBBY! What will I remember most? Having all my teeth blacked out - hope
that's not a vision of the future! The Amazon's arrows not quite
getting off stage and me still shouting "Ow", as if they had hit me.
Alison's lovely song. Sharon bawling at the blokes. The terrific costumes and
the work that went into them (ok, not so much mine, but certainly everyone
else's). Jenny going quietly and gently bonkers. Being referred to as
"that old woman" by a friend of a friend and the malicious delight
that the 'friend' took in telling me! Ailsa
Didn't
everyone have fun? Jenny and Ailsa came up with two wonderful comic
performances. Jenny's monologue was a particular favourite of mine all through
rehearsals. Miranda and Sharon clearly enjoyed sinking their teeth into their
less sympathetic roles, and it was a joy watching Alison visibly gain confidence
and grow into the part of Nell Andy
Enjoyed saying the Shakespeare bits but
not so the Boob Flash, although I think the audience enjoyed the play and
the Boob Flash Jenny |
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