New Forest Players 
Ballard School, New Milton 
Philip & Julie McStraw 
31 October 2024
Last year’s New Forest Players’ production of the bittersweet play One Day I’ll Fly Away by admirable Yorkshire playwright Janet Shaw, directed by Len Reid, was a great success. We really enjoyed it, and were eagerly looking forward to seeing this production of Charade, also by Janet Shaw and once again directed by Len Reid.
Film Buffs may be familiar with the 1963 film bearing the same title, but this play has no connection with the film, indeed it couldn’t be more different.
Set in 1970, the play is redolent of the classic TV sitcoms of that period, and, even though it’s a new stage play, it feels so familiar that it immediately fits like a pair of comfy slippers. The principal characters are Kate and Steven who came together as university friends, and subsequently fell in love. They are now getting married on the romantic Greek island of Xantos, with their respective families in tow. Their families haven’t met before and, when they do meet, it becomes immediately clear they are like chalk and cheese. The two mothers couldn’t be more different and they clash from the moment they meet. It’s all downhill between them from then on, despite the best efforts of Kate and Steven. The bride’s Aunt Issie, who has a sad history of mental illness, unexpectedly turns up, having ‘escaped’ from an asylum, and ghosts from her past reveal a trail of heartbreak, which is shocking for both families – who are actually connected in the most surprising of ways!
The script fairly gallops along with rapid fire adult comedy, which the cast deliver to good effect and good timing, though some of the lines, while laugh out loud funny, are quite risqué and ‘near the knuckle’ – but that was the 1970s for you! However, the heart rendering conclusion to the story provides a counterbalance that leaves the audience with something to think and talk about on the way home.
This production has an ensemble cast of 13 players, some of whom are NFP stalwarts, while three of them are making their debuts in speaking roles, and four others are making their first appearance for NFP. Irrespective of their individual acting credits, they all acquit themselves very well and together produced a satisfying result that was much appreciated by the audience for this sell out showing. It’s never really fair to single out the performances of particular individuals from an ensemble of this size, but principal lead Courtney Fereday, as Alex, did stand out, as did Sandi Cox as Issie. That is not to take anything away from the other players, as they all brought energy and acting skill to their respective roles.
As anyone who’s been to The Ballard School Theatre before will know, it is a first-rate facility with a good flat floor stage, which the NFP production crew always transforms into a good functional set. Well, they have excelled themselves for this production. The team has created a realistic Greek Taverna – complete with tiled terrace and bright blue window frames and furnishings, topped off with olive bushes and bright yellow lighting that gives the impression of summer sunshine.
Charade continues NFP’s run of producing great Am Dram theatre. It runs until 2 November. But if you’re too late to book for this play then make sure you don’t miss NFP’s next production. You won’t be disappointed!
