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The
Shell Seekers
The Royal Theatre, Northampton
Monday
1st to Saturday 6th September, 2003
Tickets: £14 to £21
Box Office: 01604 624811 |
| Reviewer's
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There
was a distinct whiff of lavender water amongst the audience for
The Shell Seekers. The stalls was a sea of grey perms. The fans
of Rosamunde Pilcher (who wrote the original story) were clearly
out in force.
But
don't let that put you off going to see this show. It's a romantic
yarn beautifully told.
Penelope
(played by Stephanie Cole) is an elderly widow with a big house
full of her father's paintings. The pictures are worth a fortune
and Penelope's three grown-up children each have different ideas
about what should happen to them. But Penelope has her own controversial
plans.
Subtle
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| Nancy
(Veronica Roberts) lectures her husband George (Martin Wimbush) |
Stephanie
Cole (best known for Tenko and Waiting For God) puts in a beautifully-observed,
subtle performance as the kindly matriarch. But there's superb acting
from all the cast. Karen Drury (Brookside's Susannah Farnham) is
Penelope's well-meaning but selfish daughter, Olivia. Veronica Roberts
plays the other daughter, the stout, Tory-supporting, money-obsessed
Nancy. And Ian Shaw is Penelope's son Noel, who has pound signs
flashing before his eyes.
Against
a backdrop of family feuding, the characters are all striving for
personal happiness: a true aga saga.
And the play is full of Penelope's memories that float onto and
off the stage. Simon Higlett's set is a series of framed pictures
that roll into view on trolleys, like the memories that return to
Penelope.
Engaging
The
story has been adapted for the stage by Terence Brady and Charlotte
Bingham who are best known for TV shows such as No Honestly, Pig
In The Middle, Upstairs Downstairs and Forever Green.
American
director David Taylor has put together a crafted and gently paced
production. This is the start of a nationwide tour.
Although predictable, the story is engaging. It was an enjoyable,
unchallenging, gentle evening in the theatre.
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Michael Mesham
My first time at the theatre. Moving story, well acted. Atmospheric
nicola
i watched it at bath theatre royal and its the best play i have ever seen. the acting was excellent
brillant just brillant
Richard Snelson
A skillful adaption, well-directed and cleverly-staged, a strong cast - all in all a very enjoyable experience.
Jean Corey
Funnmy to say I haven't enjoyed myself in the theatre for so long but I couldn't stop crying! Wonderful evening (and lots of laughs too!)
Matt Wilkinson
I also was at the opening - thought it was going to be too sentimental for me - and I loved it. It's funny, emotional, real and what acting! Well done all.
Jim Shaw
A very enjoyable evening out. I saw the play on Monday and they had a well-deserved standing ovation. Well done to everyone involved.
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