Eynsham Village Hall is transformed into a hospital ward this week as the Bartholomew Players portray an assortment of casualties, crocks and crackpots in Richard Harris’s six-part work, Visiting Hour.
Harris – not the late, great film actor – has scripted many episodes of well-known crime dramas such as A Touch of Frost, but in 1994 won the Writers Guild of Great Britain award for best sitcom, with Outside Edge. Perhaps this dichotomy explains why Visiting Hour switches constantly between silliness and sobriety, character and caricature. It’s an ambitious choice by director Steve Rogers that blends slapstick, farce and angst. He has also recruited two new and young members – Katie Reeves and Sean Moore; on the strength of their performances, they look set to thrive in further productions.
It begins with 'Plaster', a daft piece in which seemingly naive wife (Penny Berry, who is on fine form here) fusses over hubby Eric (the charming Gary Orchard). He’s been the victim of a car crash, but what was he really doing in a country lane without his trousers?
In 'Keeping Mum', Pauline (Deborah Lisburne, making a superb debut with the Players) deals with the love-hate relationship between her and her elderly mother (Sylvia Baker, here silent) with a remarkable Talking Heads-style monologue before the mood lifts – somewhat – with 'Show Business'. This satire features a battle of egos in which egocentric surgeon Naomi (Amy Stammers, who pouts and flounces splendidly) is more concerned about stardom than the fate of her hapless patient as she seeks to carry out a world-first quadruple transplant, while TV presenter Fiona (a highly confident Katie Reeves) shows scant regard for anyone’s sensitivities as she strides into the ward with her morose camera crew.
Meanwhile Tricia (the accomplished Bea New) is made to feel a misunderstood cultural outsider in 'Going Home' and in 'Magic', dim Brenda (Amy Stammers) wishes her visitors would go away, taking their awful puns and feeble sleight of hand tricks with them. The one piece that doesn’t quite fit is 'Waiting', in which an old man (the versatile and unerring Gareth Hammond) reminisces about his past – while the monologue is delivered skilfully, it’s difficult to see the link with the other dramas.
Ever-capable Lesley Riding manages to deal with several roles, despite being the stage manager too; she does a good job of both. The same is true of lighting designer Tony Robinson, who appears briefly as a visitor. They are supported by a clearly able behind-the-scenes team.
Doors open at 7.15pm; the show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets are £7.50 (£6.50 concessions) from Evenlode DIY in Eynsham, from [email protected] or 01865 881150, or on the door.
Harris – not the late, great film actor – has scripted many episodes of well-known crime dramas such as A Touch of Frost, but in 1994 won the Writers Guild of Great Britain award for best sitcom, with Outside Edge. Perhaps this dichotomy explains why Visiting Hour switches constantly between silliness and sobriety, character and caricature. It’s an ambitious choice by director Steve Rogers that blends slapstick, farce and angst. He has also recruited two new and young members – Katie Reeves and Sean Moore; on the strength of their performances, they look set to thrive in further productions.
It begins with 'Plaster', a daft piece in which seemingly naive wife (Penny Berry, who is on fine form here) fusses over hubby Eric (the charming Gary Orchard). He’s been the victim of a car crash, but what was he really doing in a country lane without his trousers?
In 'Keeping Mum', Pauline (Deborah Lisburne, making a superb debut with the Players) deals with the love-hate relationship between her and her elderly mother (Sylvia Baker, here silent) with a remarkable Talking Heads-style monologue before the mood lifts – somewhat – with 'Show Business'. This satire features a battle of egos in which egocentric surgeon Naomi (Amy Stammers, who pouts and flounces splendidly) is more concerned about stardom than the fate of her hapless patient as she seeks to carry out a world-first quadruple transplant, while TV presenter Fiona (a highly confident Katie Reeves) shows scant regard for anyone’s sensitivities as she strides into the ward with her morose camera crew.
Meanwhile Tricia (the accomplished Bea New) is made to feel a misunderstood cultural outsider in 'Going Home' and in 'Magic', dim Brenda (Amy Stammers) wishes her visitors would go away, taking their awful puns and feeble sleight of hand tricks with them. The one piece that doesn’t quite fit is 'Waiting', in which an old man (the versatile and unerring Gareth Hammond) reminisces about his past – while the monologue is delivered skilfully, it’s difficult to see the link with the other dramas.
Ever-capable Lesley Riding manages to deal with several roles, despite being the stage manager too; she does a good job of both. The same is true of lighting designer Tony Robinson, who appears briefly as a visitor. They are supported by a clearly able behind-the-scenes team.
Doors open at 7.15pm; the show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets are £7.50 (£6.50 concessions) from Evenlode DIY in Eynsham, from [email protected] or 01865 881150, or on the door.