National Operatic & Dramatic Association
The Odd Couple
THE PRODUCTION
Mark Bolkonsky's programme notes say everything necessary. Yet again, The New Penny Theatre achieves a high standard of programme and this seems a reasonable point to announce that your programme for Sweet Charity was awarded a "Highly Commended" Certificate by the London NODA judging panel.It is great to start a review on a high note but even better to continue in the same vein and this is the case for this splendid production
STAGING AND SET – JEFF EALES & JONATHAN
YORK
Basically, there wasn't a set and (JEFF EALES AND MARK BOLKONSKY) created the setting with a marvellous back projection and simple furniture and props, and it worked perfectly. The changing slides for the introduction were great and reminded me of the same technique used in the original production of River Dance. This was an innovative sure touch which deserves the highest praise. And the decision to carpet the stage was a good one. Not only for the look but for the absence of footsteps.
LIGHTING – JOHNATHAN YORK CHRIS DAVIES did a good job and the stage was well lit. During the dinner scene the cast sometimes walked into a dark area up stage right but apart from that the lighting was perfect.
SOUND
The music was well-chosen but the transmission suffered from some distortion.
COSTUME
JANE HARRISON & CAROLINE RUSSELL did a great job in choosing costumes that exactly matched the characters. The girls' outfits were especially appropriate and the contrasts within the card players were very well drawn. Felix and Oscar were wonderfully dressed to reflect "tidy" and "slob".
THE CAST
THE CARD SCHOOL
JASON MIDDLETON, ANDREW NAISH, ANDY DEACON & ANTHONY SENDALL were a great team. They had the initial responsibility of setting the scene and creating the atmosphere and succeeded brilliantly in painting a wonderfully macho picture which was weak at the edges. Each one made a consistent and important contribution to the atmosphere and the story. The individual identities were difficult to separate and names could have been used more often early on. This was the script's problem, not yours. However, they created a great group and interacted very well indeed. Their take up on cues and sustained pace was excellent.
OSCAR AND FELIX
These have to be linked in review as well as the show. When I saw MARK BOLKONSKY was both director and in a leading role, I felt apprehensive. - "sed quis custodiet ipsos custodies"? (God! My spell check doesn't like that) but I needn't have worried.
Mark played the part to perfection creating a great relationship with Felix. He and JEFF EALES created a superb chemistry which is so necessary for this play. Neil Simon's comedy relies on great interpretation, understanding and delivery of the superb script and Mark and Jeff had the total ability to meet the standard.
Jeff also created a wonderful character. Although we lost a few words early on this was another gem of a performance, giving a wonderful contrast to Oscar. His changes of mood were beautifully depicted. His agitation was a delight to watch and his facial expressions wonderful. The 'full-nelson" lift was super but Felix did have a few out-of-character static moments just afterwards. They both built a brilliant contrasting relationship with the girls and their row in Act 3 was acting perfection.
I think it appropriate that I simply list my notes without adding any comments, exactly as I wrote them in order:-
Great interpretation of the script.
Felix great during phone call.
Just bloody good acting.
Great delivery of this wonderful script.
Felix, great use of props when clearing the table.
Felix gets better and better.
Oscar excellent.
Brilliant argument. GWENDOLYN " CECILY
HELEN SENDALL & LYNNE IRVING were sensationally good. Their initial impact was tremendous and their voices and body language excellent. They created a wonderful interaction with the men. They looked great and their "silliness" was balanced by their strong sexuality.
Those giggles and shrieks were absolutely glorious. These are very significant roles and Lynne & Helen got a hundred percent from them and were totally delightful.
AND…
All the preceding moments were made possible by the excellent
DIRECTION from MARK BOLKONSKY & ALI NEWALL. My apprehension at Mark's dual role was unnecessary.
The groupings were perfectly staged and positioned and the moves made positive use of the whole stage. Cues were taken up promptly ensuring a wonderfully paced production. The timings, especially the wine glass incident, were impeccable. All the characters related and interacted brilliantly and the highly talented and well thought out direction produced the very best possible result.
STAGE MANAGEMENT
CHRIS DAVIES & EMMA THRESHER did a great job. The scene changes ran like a well-oiled sewing machine. The stage crew moved so purposefully about their various tasks, they resembled a well-choreographed dance group. There was a palpable feeling of an organized confidence about every member of the crew. The first "lead-in" was marginally tool long and there was a surprising pause before the start of act three and I thought the projected credits at the end were a great idea and should have been shown before the house lights went up.
PROGRAMME
I have already given credit on the consistent high quality of The NEW PENNY THEATRE'S programme design and MARK THORBURN "JOHN GOOD HOLBROOK has got one NODA Award already (see first paragraph). I have the greatest admiration for their quality of information and content and high professional standard but what stands out for me is the total recognition of the entire production team. It sums up your efforts to achieve the highest possible standards.
FRONT OF HOUSE
As always there was a warm welcome from Melissa, and the foyer and auditorium were well stewarded. There is always this atmosphere of enjoyment about your F.O.H. team and they are a pleasure to talk to.
FINALLY
I don't think I can add much more. I feel very proud to have been the NODA representative since your first production and I am enclosing a copy of my final note from your "Sweet Charity" review which also includes a reference to your winning programme. I think I can do no better than say my sentiments and feelings are just the same. It's a privilege to be invited and I wish you all the future success you richly deserve.
John C. Draper.
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