Stars of stage and screen put the focus on new works
Eyeline Theatre & Productions brought its latest lunchtime theatre double bill to the Z-arts Centre in Hulme last Thursday and Friday.
Led by artistic director and actor Joan Kempson, Eyeline Theatre focuses primarily on contemporary writing and new work by emerging playwrights, frequently collaborating with community organisations to stage accessible productions. The company uses intimate venues across Greater Manchester to provide audiences with affordable theatrical experiences without the usual evening commitment.
Alongside its productions, the group also supports local performers and creatives through community engagement projects, script readings and acting workshops.
The latest lunchtime double bill was produced by Joan, a familiar face to many as an established northern actor known for her roles in Coronation Street and Early Doors. She also took to the stage in The Book Club.
Both plays were expertly directed by Liz Hume-Dawson, a veteran stage and television actor recognised for her work in Dinnerladies and 4 O'Clock Club, who did a sterling job. Her skilful use of the minimalist space kept the production flowing effortlessly, resulting in an impressive turnaround of just four minutes between the performances.
The two short plays, The Legacy and The Book Club, offered contrasting storylines, moving from tears of sadness to tears of laughter, making for ideal lunchtime entertainment. Both explored a variety of themes, characters and situations, giving audiences plenty to get their teeth into and digest.
The Legacy, written by Patricia Cunningham, served as the opening course on this theatrical menu.
Set in the conservatory of Cathy and Matty, the play explores their touching relationship as they continue to enjoy the sights and smells of their garden despite Matty's failing eyesight. Beneath the gentle surface, however, simmers a darker tale of family division.
Matty is unable to forgive his son for selling his grandfather's war medals to fund his travels abroad, while Cathy attempts to keep the peace and reunite the pair.
FAMILY TENSIONS: Dominic (Max MacMillan), Cathy (Christine Brennan) and Matty (Stuart Pickering) in The Legacy.
As the story unfolds, all is not quite as it seems. The true meaning of the play's title gradually becomes clear and Matty experiences an emotional awakening, with his physical blindness personifying his inability to see a bigger picture.
Stuart Pickering and Max MacMillan delivered powerful performances as father and son, while Christine Brennan (Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Doctor Who) brought warmth, humour and compassion to the role of Cathy.
The Book Club, written by Philip Stiles, was the longer of the two pieces and centred on a routine book club meeting that quickly goes hilariously awry.
The writing is sharp and witty, with one-liners coming thick and fast as an assortment of characters gather to discuss their latest literary selection at only their third event. Existing tensions from previous meetings soon become apparent, creating fertile ground for comedy.
Christine Brennan returned in a completely different role as host Maddie, demonstrating her impressive acting range. Her character was reminiscent of Margo from The Good Life, albeit with a more confident, manipulative and flirtatious edge.
Her relationship with husband George has long since stagnated, while the arrogant Colin provides a far more appealing distraction for her, much to George's ever-growing frustration.
George, delightfully played by Andrew George, is gradually pushed to breaking point.
CONFLICT: George (Andrew George) and Colin (Drew Cain) in The Book Club.
The club's other members include gay couple Julia and Ruth, whose relationship provides several amusing observations on food, drink and their domestic life.
The arrival of Penny (Joan Kempson), an unexpected visitor from America hoping to revisit her childhood home, only adds to the mayhem.
Penny later provides a fortune-telling session for each character, and is slightly reminiscent of Whoopi Goldberg's Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, which proves both entertaining and an ingenious device for revealing the characters’ hidden motivations and insecurities.
This thoughtful and highly amusing play was brought to life by an accomplished cast. Drew Cain (Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, All Creatures Great & Small and many other television and film productions) delivered a commanding performance as Colin, while Lisa Whiteside (Coronation Street and Brassic) excelled as the eccentric, non-drinking Julia - particularly after a drink.
Away from the stage, Lisa also works with Oldham Coliseum and supports young performers through her role as an acting tutor at Pendleton School of Theatre and via her company, ACT on Oldham.
Actor, director and drummer Ellie Morrisroe played Ruth, Julia's partner, whose wandering eye for the opposite sex adds another layer to the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Max MacMillan (who will be familiar to many as Timothy Turner in Call the Midwife) appeared as Dominic in Legacy before returning at the end of The Book Club as Frank, delivering a final twist that turns the story on its head.
This adult-oriented lunchtime showcase proved highly entertaining throughout. The experience of Joan Kempson and Liz Hume-Dawson, combined with a talented cast, gave the production immediate credibility and helped attract a good audience.
For further information about the company and to find out more about their latest projects, search eyelinetheatreandproductions on social media or email the company at eyelineprod@mail.com
Review by Nigel Skinner
