Nantwich Players new season is off to a strong start with “Nora: A Doll’s House”, written by Stef Smith after Henrik Ibsen and directed by Bethany Gail, writes Claire Faulkner.
You don’t have to be familiar with A Doll’s House by Ibsen to watch and enjoy this production.
This retelling builds on the feminist theme and looks at the lives of three women from different time periods.
1918, 1968 and 2018. Each of these dates were significant moments for the advancement of women’s rights and equality.
But this production may make you question how far have we really moved on?
Nora is the perfect wife and mother. She would do anything to protect her family, but when a secret from her past comes back to haunt her, the life she has built begins to fall apart and she risks losing everything.
The audience is introduced to three different Nora’s who take turns telling their story.
The three leads Carla Gonen, Lillie Pragnall and Sarah Shillito gave brilliant performances.
Each one was strong and impactful. When together on stage they moved with perfect synchronicity, often sharing space and dialogue with one another. Outstanding and engaging performances from each one.
James Freeman gave a strong performance as Thomas, the husband to all three Nora’s.
As did Ben Callas who played the grieving widower, trying to survive and look after his children.
Edward Rolfe was engaging as Daniel, a family friend with a terminal illness, who then reveals he has always had feelings for Nora.
The set design was sparse looking, predominately white in colour, a few items of furniture and three doorways which were used symbolically to signify the home and journey of the characters.
The stage and space was used to its full advantage throughout the production to create engaging and thought-provoking storytelling.
A fantastic start to the season from Nantwich Players. Nora: A Dolls House is running at The Players Theatre until 13th September.
(Pic courtesy of Nantwich Players)
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