Somerset Sounds - Reviews

On the Brewhouse stage, a select audience was treated to a delightful play that had spent some of its early gestation in the script development project here at Brewhouse Studio Scratch Nights.

A bright and colourful set represents varied locations on one of the many, lesser known islands of the Bahamian archipeligo. From the airport terminal through to the church to the beach to the house, then to the forest and back again, its tropical essence is enhanced with background music, enticingly Caribbean in flavour.

Lyrics in this cheerful production, clearly lilting upon waves of reggae-like rhythm (the melodies different from those heard in Jamaica or Trinidad) link the many episodes that occur during the ministry of Alexander, a young Methodist preacher posted to this small island paradise.

It stars Dana J. Ferguson

As Alex, Simon Tcherniak is quintessentially the 'out of his depth'  British clergyman who unwittingly endears himself to his flock, and meets among the lovable, annoying and not-always-honest, but beautiful islanders, a lovely young native 'woman-in-a-green-dress' who shows him the treasures of her homeland, most valuable of which is the Bahamian people's open-hearted warmth - her own above all.

Humour and happiness combine in the children's behaviour, the grown-ups' quirkiness and in the traditional story-telling, charmingly recited by 'the woman', who is disarmingly portrayed by young Dana J. Ferguson, a Bahamian by birth and an exemplary recent graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Dana also played all the many other native characters, males and females of various ages. Among these, the taxi-driver who used the minister's car to make his living; the postmaster who couldn't read so he made the Minister sort the island's mail and the refugee Haitian woman who proved to be a 'home-help treasure'.

Director Robin Belfield was at the Brewhouse some months ago with his production of Mamet's “Oleanna”. 

He is a gifted director and the quality of tonight's production supports that fact. He choreographs action and quiet moments superbly, drawing from his talented actors, exactly the required levels of interaction, emotion and humanity.

Belfied's interest in devising “That Bahamian T'ing” is related to his being an offspring of the marriage of his Bahamas-born mother, that actual, beautiful young 'Woman-in-a-green-dress', to 'Alexander' that real-life Methodist Minister. What finer tribute can a son offer his parents?

Excellent lighting and sound effects are complimented by highly professional stage management under the control of Sarah Jackson. 

“That Bahamian T'ing” continues on tour through October.
 

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