Many theatre groups up and down the country are commemorating the centenary of World War 1, Nantwich Players are no exception, writes Claire Faulkner.
Their latest production “For Services Rendered” by W Somerset Maugham and directed by Jerry Park, tells the story of how war affected the middle class ‘Ardsley’ family.
This production, as always with The Players, is high quality and extremely well done.
The set design and costumes are first class, it is a real pleasure to watch a company who put so much work and dedication into a production.
Set in 1932, the play shows the family slowly coming to terms with what their contribution to the war effort has cost them.
Jonathan Everitt plays ‘Sydney Ardsley’ who, while serving as on officer, lost his sight during the war and is now being cared for by his family.
Sydney’s younger sisters have also experienced life changing events due to the circumstance of war.Jo Perry plays a lovely and compassionate ‘Ethel Bartlett’.
Marrying for love and not status, Ethel now lives and works on a farm, with the majority of her family believing she married beneath her.
Avril Allman plays ‘Eva Ardsley’, a woman whose fiance was killed during the war.
With no suitable marriage suitor in sight and with age against her, Eva now helps to nurse and look after Sydney.
The youngest member of the family is ‘Lois’, played delightfully by Laura Monkhouse.
Lois soon discovers that life for a young modern woman is changing fast, and if she wants to experience it she needs to get away.
The mother of the family is ‘Charlotte Ardsley’ who is portrayed as a matriarch wonderfully by Helen Gresty.
“For Services Rendered” demonstrates the consequence of war for those who served and questions the society looking after those left behind.
It runs until November 1 at The Players Theatre, Love Lane, Nantwich.
Recent Comments