Search Results for: Lyndhurst Drama

A bunch of amateurs do A Bunch Of Amateurs. Nothing amateurish about this performance. It’s always a delight to review for Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society as the venue, the welcome and the quality adds atmosphere to a fun night out. Though, for once, I would prefer to attend when the thermometer rises above 10C. The play is a stalwart on the Hampshire circuit. It resonates as it’s all about a spirited woman trying to save what she loves from falling foul of modern times. In this case a rather backward old fashioned theatre company populated with the usual characters

I’ll hold my hands up. A lot of Ayckbourn’s later plays often feel that they have been rushed. Life of Riley, from 2010, doesn’t have a relevant world view (even for then) keeping itself preoccupied with characters that are slightly augmented versions of middle-class tropes that wouldn’t be out of place in the decades preceding it. As Directors say, “All very accessible” and enduringly popular. For me, however, the idea that an unseen dying George has a messianic pull on three women all locked into marriages / relationships with unprepossessing men may make for good comic atmosphere, but my 2021

Written by William Nicholson, Shadowlands began life as a television play that was first shown in 1985. It was later adapted for the stage, premiering in the West End in 1989 and then Broadway in 1990. A third version was released in 1993 as a feature film starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. Shadowlands continues to be hugely popular and the recent revival by Chichester Festival Theatre, with Hugh Bonneville in the lead role, received five star reviews. Now it’s the turn of Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society to stage this exceptional play at the delightful Vernon Theatre in Lyndhurst.

It couldn’t have been more appropriate as the snow fell on the way to Lyndhurst giving the show a magical feel.  From walking into this charming little theatre, the atmosphere was electric, it felt more like a family event than a play, everyone was so friendly and welcoming. As I had never seen the play before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, at first I found it a bit disconcerting that the cast were playing so many different parts but I soon got over that and became absorbed in the production. George Bailey, played by Rupert Bogarde was excellent in

With November just around the corner, it is customary for the Nation’s thoughts to turn towards Armistice and Remembrance, not so much of war itself (for war is not glorious), but of solidarity, strength, resolve, resourcefulness, resoluteness, commitment, sacrifice, family and community. Driving into Lyndhurst earlier in the week, the ‘Lest We Forget’ silhouette of a soldier caught my eye on entering the village and I was reminded of the young men who left their homes and families to fight, whether voluntarily or through conscription, in order to defend King and Country – and the great many who didn’t return.