Transporting 1880 Salford to 2009 Soham should have been quite a challenge, yet the Viva Theatre Company succeeded in doing so with ease.
The story is, on paper, a simple one. Obstinate boot shop proprietor Henry Hobson wants to marry off his two "uppishness" youngest daughters, whilst the third and eldest daughter Maggie is seen to be too old for marrying. Powerfully driven Maggie though has other ideas, marrying initially unsure boothand Willie Mossop behind her fathers back. Eventually we see all three daughters marry, Willies business thriving at the expense of Hobson's, and finally Mossop and Hobson becoming partners. The play is a very well written, gentle comedy, full of rich characterisation.
As the curtains opened the audience was treated to a quite magnificent set designed and constructed by the ever impressive Mark Parr. Marks attention to detail, even including the most intricate of sign-writing on external doors was something to behold and immediately assured the audience that they were going to see a play of some quality. I have seen Mark's work before and he must been one of the best and possibly the best set designer in our local theatre community - a real coup for Viva.
So could the acting match the set? Oh yes. Director Becky Green was blessed with a high quality cast, all of whom were quite excellent. I loathe to pick out any individuals within this superb quality cast, but two or three should really be mentioned.
Soham audiences are used to the excellent performances of David Tickner and expect much from him. David looked born to play Hobson, portraying the cantankerous character with aplomb. A fantastic performance brought well deserved applause.
The character of oldest daughter Maggie Hobson was played by Sara Lang. Sara is a fresh face for Soham audiences, but sure to develop quite a reputation. Sara played Maggie very well indeed, bringing out the determined nature of Maggie out superbly.
Making his Viva Theatre Company debut was Oliver Waterhouse, playing Willie Mossop. In the play, Willie is first shown as a down-trodden yet highly skilled boot-hand. Under Maggies guidance he develops into an assured businessman. It is quite a journey for Willie, a journey made real by Olivers exceptional acting. A fine Viva debut and it is hoped that we see him perform with Viva again.
The others cast members: Sean Dooley (Albert Prosser), Sarah Robinson (Alice Hobson), Andy O'Hanlon (Tubby Wadlow), Frank Crosby (Jim Heeler), Lesley Wood (Dr MacFarlane) Kirsten Green (Vickey Hobson), Mick Tickner (Freddie Beanstock), Delia Tickner (Mrs Hepworth) and Hannah Burns (Ada Figgins) all gave very fine performances, with fabulous individual characterisations.
Director Becky Green clearly put a lot of thought into the play, ensuring a quality end result. Becky is a renowned, much respected and sought out director and it is lovely seeing her work with the Viva team.
Mention should also be made of Dan Schumann and Sarah Dowd, who acting as Co-Producers made this into surely the Viva Theatre company's finest production to date.
The Viva Theatre Company gets better and better and are gaining a rapidly increasing loyal audience.
Well done Viva - I loved this one.
