'A Bolt From The Blue' by David Tristram - Cheriton Players, Cheriton Village Hall, 24th April 2013 (Opening Night).
Sometimes you have to take risks. You have to step away from the norm and be bold. Well, this was bold. A bold decision to choose a play that's relatively new (2006) and far from what is normally tackled in Cheriton. You can just imagine the production meeting: "Right, we need an electricity pylon on stage, and you only have around 8 feet in height to make it look good!" The thing is that you know the crew behind the Cheriton Players will have taken this in their stride and they always come up with the goods. The reason being is that this pylon (for reasons which will become clear) has to be climbed, and has to be sturdy.
In fact, the effects were great. No, I'll go further than that. The visual and sound effects were superb. I note - and praise - the crew, especially surrounding the acting from Charlie Hellard (Edward) as he suffers the 'Bolt From the Blue'. The way in which the lighting and effects showed even just this one moment was thoughtfully and breathtakingly done.
In fact, Charlie deserves full praise for completing what is a demanding role in a faultless manner. And there was a genuine "how on earth did they do that?" moment involving an exploding person.
I have to note here too that the backstage crew's sense of humour was not lost on me... yes, I noted OMD's 'Electricity' being played during the break. Ha!
Credit also is due to David Cradduck, who took the importance of his role to the absolute limit and had his head shaved - notably raising £700-plus for Naomi House and jacksplace. In fact, he drew applause from the audience once they had realised what he had done. As for his character, well whoever heard of a bald hair specialist or a doctor who faints at the sight of blood?! It was, after all just another example of being asked to suspend our belief!
Suffice it to say that I would spoil everything by telling you the story, but I loved the routine involving the trip to hospital after the accident, and right at the very end when Edward sits 'bolt' upright... well, those who were there will appreciate what I just did!
I have to take my hat off to the Cheriton Players for attempting something so bold. There was a lack of pace in places, and pauses between scenes - but this was opening night after all and I'm sure that it shifted up a gear if the comments and the number of tweets I saw was anything to go by. The Players should be proud that Friday and Saturday were, yet again, sell-out performances well in advance of the days themselves. KG.
Staging, effects and production all deserve 5 stars.
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