posted 2nd September 2024
Entertaining Angels by Richard Everett. Clare Philbrock directed, and she chose Entertaining Angels so as to give the opportunity for female performers to take centre stage this time.
Entertaining Angels tells the story of Grace who is coming to terms with the death of her vicar husband, Bardolph (Bardy). Having served the parish at her husband’s side, undertaking the supportive tasks expected of her, she is about to make the move from The Rectory and needs to find her way in the world again as well as experimenting with her newly found freedom. She is visited by her eccentric older sister Ruth and her daughter Jo, both of whom have their own burdens. Ruth has a particular revelation which will cause Grace to question the foundation of her marriage. They are joined by Sarah, the new vicar who has secrets and doubts of her own. Throughout in Grace’s mind, Bardy remains a presence, and she converses with him as she tries to make sense of things. Will either of them find peace at last?
Cast and Crew
Company
Grace… Pat Peters
Ruth… Chris Eilbeck
Jo… Tanya Nelson
Sarah… Marie Watsham
Bardolph… Keith Palmer
Production Team
Director… Clare Philbrock
Stage Manager… Janine Warre
Backcloth Artist… Des Groves
Set Construction… Hugh Chudley, Howard Kelman and Team
Set Dressing… Janine Warre, Howard Eilbeck, Pat Peters and Team
Lighting Design… Tim Pratt
Lighting Operator…Leigh Steedman
Sound Operator… Alan Caig
Organ Music… Mark Perry
Properties… Janine Warre, Pat Peters and Company
Costumes… Janine Warre, Pat Peters and Company
Publicity and Programme Design… Kelman Media
Rehearsal Prompt… Howard Eilbeck
Front of House… Howard Eilbeck and Team
Box Office… Howard and Chris Eilbeck
Review
“Entertaining Angels” by Richard Everett is a bittersweet comedy that explores themes of love, loss, betrayal and forgiveness. The play follows Grace as she mourns the death of her vicar husband and comes to terms with some difficult truths about his life. The witty, perceptive script was a great choice for this strong ensemble cast.
The production was deftly directed by Clare Philbrock, whose light touch breathed life into all aspects of this slice of England. Her attention to detail and sensitive direction resulted in a well-paced, engaging production.
The set provided a simple and effective multi-level playing space, allowing scenes to flow smoothly into each other. The stone wall of the rectory, a well mown lawn and a grass banked stream combined with subtle lighting and sympathetic sound design to immerse the audience in the warm gardens of a rural rectory in a picturesque English village.
Pat Peters was superb as recently widowed Grace; her nuanced performance shifted effortlessly between witty asides, moments of loving tenderness, sharp-tongued accusations, and the pain of loss and regret.
A strong performance from Chris Eilbeck as Ruth (Grace’s somewhat eccentric sister) provided comedy and drama in equal measure throughout their deteriorating relationship.
Their performances were confidently supported by Tanya Nelson as Grace’s daughter Jo and Marie Watsham as new vicar Sarah, both of whom provided well-balanced characterisations of complicated women with a history of difficult relationships.
Keith Palmer exuded a warmth and easy charm as the late vicar, Bardy, whose tranquil presence provided moments of comfort to the grieving Grace.
The whole cast and crew deserve to be very proud of what they achieved.
Matthew Howard
