"CRANFORD" WHERE LACE CAPS AND CRINOLINES CALM
AND CHARM
When emails and social media swamp our daily
lives, it is pure joy to escape to Mrs Gaskell's "Cranford” where, in
another delightful production by the Fairleigh Players, you can leave
Election Blues, Brexit and Trump outside and enter into the charming
home of dear Miss Matty and her friends.
A cast of eleven, nine of them ladies in
crinolines, are expertly directed by Judy Welsh so that the relatively
small stage becomes a genteel 19th century elegant parlour. The
audience becomes totally immersed in a world where a lady changed her
lace cap several times a day, depending on the social standing of her
visitors. When a rumour that turbans were being worn at Court, Miss
Matty and her friends are thrown into a frenzy, secretly competing to
see who can wear the new fashion first!
The well-rehearsed cast delivered a monumental
script with clarity - a challenge in itself - especially those who also
had to cope with dialects and local accents. The etiquette of the era
demanded curtseys bows and bobs, all accomplished with the appropriate
gestures, again a great achievement in restricted space.
Jennifer Annett as the gentle Miss Matty, was the
perfect combination of a woman, firm in her beliefs, somewhat
overwhelmed by change, yet strong in the face of adversity.
Aisling Edie, as Martha the maid, gave an
outstanding performance. A flawless accent and marvellous mime, she
progressed from a gormless ignorant untrained servant to a delightful
warm and caring friend to her employer. A shining performance.
Pauline Lucas held the piece together as Mrs
Gaskell the narrator, whilst Alice Tigwell as Miss Mary, was the
epitome of a young pretty 19th century girl. Space restricts mention of
the rest of the cast by name. They all moved well in their crinolines
and bonnets and played each eccentric character with flair and
authenticity. The two men in the cast both gave consummate performances
- Steve Hill, an elegant kind Mr Hoggins and in contrast, Thomas Edie,
as Jem Hearn, Martha's boyfriend, who expertly portrayed a gawky
country lad growing into a responsible caring husband.
The lighting was exceptional, non-intrusive and
subtle, so that we felt we were in a candle-lit drawing room.
The costumes were dazzling and brought colour and
charm to the elegant set. As always in Fairlight, a standing ovation
goes to the backstage crew for their artistic dedication.
All in all, a delightful evening, not to be
missed. A chance to escape the traumas of the world outside and bask in
the trivia and charm of "Cranford".
Ann Rachlin
