The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
The Castle Players
Witham Hall, Barnard Castle
THIS year’s autumn production by The Castle Players took us back to Victorian England with an adaption of what is hailed as the first feminist novel, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte.
Directed by Mary Stastny, the play tells the story of women in a man’s world – specifically Helen Graham who escapes her abusive and alcoholic husband, Arthur Huntington, and his equally chauvinist chums, before falling in love with Gilbert Markham, a far more agreeable soul, after her husband’s death.
Helen was superbly played by Emily Wilson, who showed sympathy and heartfelt emotion in her role, while Sam Straker took the part of Huntington, and pulled off his character’s boorish nature with aplomb. The pair were at their best when Huntington forced his son, Little Arthur (Edward Handley), to drink alcohol with his mates so he could learn the ways of men.
The tension of that scene was a highlight.
As so often is the case with The Castle Players, the star was Ben Pearson as Gilbert – he anchored this play with the most professional performance you could wish for from a so-called amateur. Ben was given a helping hand by the impeccably behaved Teddy the dog as his countryside shooting companion. I’m sure the steady flow of doggie treats helped him stay at heel.
Another stand-out performer was Sarah Fells as the fussy Mrs Markham, while Isobel Yeadon (Rose Markham) surely has a bright future.
Castle Players stalwart Trudi Dixon was also excellent as the hard-pressed and elderly maid Rachel. Storm Straker’s country twang was perfect as Eliza Millward, the vicar’s daughter.
The aforementioned ale-swigging priest was ably played by Tristan Handley.
There were also solid performances from Will Witburn (Mr Lawrence), Harriet McBain (the loose-moralled Annabella Loughborough), Phoebe Lorenz (the meek Millicent Hattersley) and Johnny Hatch (Ralph Hattersley). A special mention should go to young Edward Handley who did a great job as Little Arthur – so composed and full of expression for one so young.
The production team were excellent. The two-tier stage set-up was superb, the wardrobe (especially Rachel’s attire) really did help to set the scene, the lighting and sound were spot on, and Andy Yeadon’s piano accompaniment added yet another professional touch.
However, there are a few grumbles. It was noted by a number of people in the audience that the play “dragged on” too long. The curtain came up at 7.30pm and was finally brought down at about 10.30pm. Even allowing for an interval, it’s a shame to run the risk of anyone leaving a theatre wanting less, not more. The show was a little light on laughs – women’s emancipation a serious subject but even the most troubling times of life are not without their humour.
Those criticisms aside, The Castle Players did what they always do – created a quality production to several sell-out audiences. From a community theatre group, what more could you ask for?
Trevor Brookes
