Normally, when you go to a performance at The Arden, you’ll see a play that someone, somewhere, has done before; not this time! Every one of the plays presented in the Maurice Patterson One-Act Play Festival has never been done before – each one a World Premiere, if you will!
Out of a total of nineteen submissions, the final six that were chosen were all presented with a mixture of energy, technical expertise and performance panache that was impressive! Every time the lights went up, there was a sense of anticipation in the audience – we didn’t know what to expect!
The evening began with “Green Bin and Red Tops” by Michele Sheldon – treating us to a mixture of gritty reality and almost surreal humour! (What really did happen to the missing police inspectors?)
This was followed by “…to carry the weight,” an emotionally gripping story written by HJS about a local Kent historical figure and the impact of his ill-fated rebellion on his followers.
Stephen Condor’s “The Last Supper” – (no, not that last supper!) was a fascinating portrayal of a conversation between a prisoner on death row and his confessor-priest – with a brilliant, totally unexpected last-minute twist! Wait for it…!
Author Meg Fulton sets her play, “Umbra”, in a series of psychologists’ therapy rooms, reflecting the themes of stress and turmoil resulting from illegal immigration and international conflict – themes that are all too present in today’s news.
In his play “The Interview”, Joseph Payne presented us with an unusual and fascinating premise – full of surprises, and a tour de force by the solo actor (and the lighting technician!) – well-done, both!
In the final presentation, “It’s All Too Late”, written by Paul McNally, five Sixties-era teenagers gather at the funeral of their friend, who finally jumps out of his coffin to join in the action!
The whole evening was a fascinating and absorbing mix of talents – the results of each author’s hard work and creativity, the energy and talent of the performers who brought each work to life, and the imagination and experience of the Arden Theatre’s support team. I think Maurice Patterson would be proud!
E.B.