Reviews    

A night at the theatre is a rare treat these days and usually involves a lot of travelling, so I felt very lucky wandering down to Margaret Beaufort School on 11th May, excited by the prospect of an evening of dramatics that were far from ‘amateur.’ There’s something magical about people performing ‘live’ on stage that can’t be matched by films or television, and this is even more enhanced when you know everyone on stage! I felt very proud of my fellow villagers for putting on such a class performance of classic Agatha Christie, typically full of twists and turns. I don’t want to mention names or stand-out performances as they were all so convincing, perhaps because they had been so well cast in the parts that they played.

All the essential murder mystery ingredients were there – the soft but extremely shrewd Miss Marple, aided by the local policeman, just a step or two behind, and the upper crust set with their clipped tones and perfect manners, hiding family secrets and complicated relationships. Then there was the obligatory, dotty, old dear who knew too much and had to be killed and an eccentric, paranoid maid who had us all convinced that the ‘Germans’ were out to get her!  The plot thickened and tension mounted to an unexpected conclusion. A thoroughly entertaining evening.

I would like to congratulate all involved, both front and back stage. I was particularly impressed with the set as I know from my own efforts at this in the past how much work went into achieving such a high standard. So well done all and many thanks for bringing such high drama to our sleepy village for the rest of us to enjoy!

Deborah Matthews   21/5/12

Class Two at the Zoo is a successful picture book by Riseley’s prize winning author, Julia Jarman.  Julia has very kindly given permission for the book to be adapted by Julie Laslett for the stage.

The play centres on Class Two who visit a zoo, but while enjoying seeing various animals, seven of them and their teacher are swallowed one by one by an anaconda snake!  Fortunately, the danger is seen by a resourceful little girl and a rescue is launched.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a community project to involve as many local people as possible.  Not only do we need children and people playing the parts of animals, we need animal masks/costumes, a huge snake puppet and puppeteers, music, special effects and set.  Yes, we could raise funds and hire in costumes, but where is the fun in that? 

This production gives Riseley the opportunity to produce a true community theatrical experience for young and old.  It will draw upon a wide range of talents from across the community and encourage the development of new skills, resulting in a pool of expertise for the village.