Office Suite by Alan Bennett
The People's Theatre.
15th June 2022
This play set on the back of the economic troubles of the 70s seems very relevant to the way things are going now post Covid pandemic, as layoffs are inevitable and people struggle financially.
There is some great chemistry between Doris (Moira Valentine) and Doreen (Anna Dobson). They play the roles excellently and for the majority of the play, it is a two-hander. Lomax (Mark Burden) and his assistant sometimes come on with a monologue and to pass on bad news to the ladies.
The humour is dry and good in this much-ado-about-nothing office affair. The end twist I didn’t see coming, but most of the story development was telegraphed well through for anyone paying attention.
The set was well built and very believable and the sound effects were perfect.
The second play is A Visit From Miss Prothero, which is set in Mr Dodsworth's home. Dodsworth is a former worker from Warburtons, who revolutionised how things were done in the company over his thirty-year career. He is now enjoying his retirement until busy body Miss Prothero visits him, much to his initial annoyance.
Again the acting is top-notch here from Mr. Dodsworth (Steve Robertson) and Miss Prothero herself (Ann Zunder), both regular actors at the people's theatre. The set from Green Forms is largely reused, with some minor adjustments to turn it from an office setting to a house setting. Cutting the stage in half gives that almost claustrophobic feeling, that helps build tension.
Again the story development was telegraphed and the twist somewhat predictable, but the script was enacted seamlessly.
Both these plays have great characterisations and highlight the nuances and frustrations of workplace politics.
Remaining shows play till Saturday 18th June 2022.
Frank Cromartie Murphy
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