REVIEWS REVIEWS
This was a beautifully crafted comment on the psychology of today. The characters are so finely observed to convey what or who is socially engineering or driving today's society. The master craftsman has lost none of his skills of observation and still able to record how society behaves.
“Neighbourhood Watch” is at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 8th Septembe to the 15th of October, 2011. Box Office Telephone: 01723 370541. Tickets prices from £10 - £21. Students £7.50
Neighbourhood WATCH says it all and allows Ayckbourn to play his usual sophisticated games with the mind of his audience and bring pleasure to their evening at the theatre, in this case The Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough. Not much scenery is needed, but what there is is skilfully designed by as usual Pip Leckenby, who can read Alan Ayckbourn mind with some skill. Lighting design was supplied by Mick Hughes, after an initial lack of it, was what was required.
Martin, played by Matthew Cottle, is the lynch pin around which the play revolves, he tries to do good, but he always seems to become the focus of everything that is important in the plot. We have the trouble in the form of Rod played by Terrance Booth and Luther played by Phil Cheadle. Women, who seem to be swepted along by what is going on, are supplied in the form of Dorothy (Eileen Battye), Amy(Frances Grey), Hilda (Alexandra Mathie) and not to mention Madge played by Amy Loughton for the distraction.
We are on a new building development, Bluebell Hill, on the edge of a large housing estate which lends itself to all that anyone would wish or thinks would be happening. Once the memory gets in gear than anything that you have heard about can and probably can be brought about. You know what you think when you read or listen to news reports. You can see all the ills that surround us today in this play. Nothing good ever seems to happen. Never do anything in front of the master playwright and director or the next moment you will be watching it at your own expense.
What you are reading here is how people were talking as they left the theatre after being thoroughly entertained. This is a good nights out at the theatre and well worth the trouble of travelling to Scarborough to see. Enjoy and learn from what you experience. © BA
