For Ever, In Trust, Hampton Hill Playhouse - Review by Larry Richmond (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

For Ever, In Trust, Hampton Hill Playhouse - Review by Larry Richmond

2:52pm Tuesday 13th September 2011 in Your Neighbourhood

I do like a special occasion. On 10 September I attended the Hampton Hill Playhouse for a new one-act play, For Ever, In Trust, written and directed by Keith Wait, and produced by The Stage Company. The occasion was the 200th Anniversary of the Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity. The play was performed in the afternoon to members of the general public, and again in the evening to an invited VIP audience, including the local Member of Parliament, The Rt. Hon Dr. Vincent Cable, Secretary of State for Business, and President of the Board of Trade.

After a nice glass of red wine I entered the auditorium, took my seat, and was ready for the production.

For Ever, In Trust is an entertaining historical account of the work of the charity. We are taken back through a portal of time to the Regency period were we experience an array of diverse characters, ranging from the Royal Family to the paupers of Hampton. We are there at the founding of the charity. We are there when help is given to the poor and needy, and we are there as the charity continues its work into present times.

Keith Wait has managed, with his excellent cast of both professional and amateur actors, to bring this historical true tale to life.

John Bellamy, as Mary’s dying father Leonard Morepast, convincingly conveyed the troubled turmoil of a man suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Joolz Coonery as the loving daughter Mary conveyed the heartfelt anguish of seeing her father turn from a dependable loving Dad to a dependant dying man.

As Prince Regent, John Bellamy conveyed the pomposity of his character, and along with Robin Legard as William, the Duke of Clarence, and Jeremy Gill as the ‘grand old Duke of York’ the three Royal Princes entertained with their account of ‘whoring’ and other exploits.

Megan Crawford as both Anne Street, and the pregnant Sarah Hutchins, played both roles well.

Gina Way as Edith Planchett, gave a good performance as a woman brought to the brink of exhaustion (her fainting spell was most convincing) by the deep worry of her husband’s wasting disease and the lack of money to keep her family, but of such strong moral beliefs that she does not wish to be a burden on the Parish.

The ‘man of the match’ was Tom Slatter, in the role of Dr John Merewether, Curate of St Mary’s. He gave a most enjoyable and convincing performance with strength of character as the man who wants to help others.

The technical crew provided excellent sound and lighting effects.

It would be a pity for this production to end after only the two special performances.

By reason of the local historical theme of the play, it could be beneficial if the play was staged at schools in the area. This would allow pupils to appreciate the historical element, learn about the work of the charity, as well enjoying the dramatic artistry of the play.

Larry Richmond Based on information supplied by Larry Richmond.