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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
ISLAND
Verdict: Reaching back to love
UK Tour - March-May 03
Island tells the story of a girl born in the 1920s to her recent death as an old lady. Unashamedly sentimental, moving, funny and haunting, it illuminates the passing of years in a wistful reverie of what was, and what might have been.
Mildred's a wartime teenage evacuee, separated at the railway station from her beloved brother Sydney. Their parents, Mathew and Edith die in the Blitz. It's a busy war for Mildred - entering it as a child, by the end she's in uniform and pregnant by her dead soldier lover Owen. Her baby girl Grace becomes a 60s hippy, and Mildred already seems an old lady - with the premature ageing of the wartime generation.
Mildred's lived a life pre-destined to loneliness, with only her strong memories to console - and haunt - her. However, her sharp sense of humour, and her ability to love, sustain. And she's a few adventures to go yet, as this delightful story progressively reveals.
The actors wear masks, and the play's entirely mimed - there are no words (but plenty of sound). If this sounds limiting, it's anything but. In fact the profound revelation of emotion that Island evokes would not be possible with words. The company has a host of tricks up its sleeve: human cars (fabulous), versatile tents, sea-shores, traffic islands, houses, aeroplanes, excellently cunning lights and sound.
And 120 silent, engrossed teenagers in the audience - an astounding achievement. And Island's a delight for any age (the company suggests 12+)
Tor Clark's on stage throughout as Mildred. She gives a startling, and riveting performance, captivating, with each emotion expressed by the barest of gestures - remarkable. Hannah Kimpton is young mum Mildred, daughter Grace as a hippy, and mother Edith - excelling in each role, and delineating the characters masterfully. Ruth Helen Davies is funny as the Hitchhiker, and tenderly poignant as the subtly contrasting and related Mildred at 13 and Grace at 10).
Richard Costello (Fringe Report Awards 03 - Best Actor) delivers gifted and separate performances as: a subtly hilarious Workman 1; Mathew, a father reserved but yearning to express his emotions; lover Owen, a doomed but constant soldier. Oliver Parham shows a fine versatility a gloriously grumpy Workman 2; gentle and loyal brother Sydney as child and old man; and Owen's army friend Frank, tossing a coin for each of life's great decisions.
Island's panache is underpinned by outstanding direction and writing; design, masks, costumes, props, set construction, lighting, stage management, sound, and an excellent tent (thanks to BT). An evening of surprises and delight.
Cast Credits (programme order): Tor Clark (Mildred, age 75). Hannah Kimpton (Mildred, age 19; Grace, Mildred's daughter, age 25; Edith, Mildred's mother). Ruth Helen Davies (Hitchhiker; Mildred age 13, Grace age 10). Richard Costello (Workman 1; Mathew, Mildred's father; Owen, Mildred's lover). Oliver Parham (Workman 2; Sydney, Mildred's brother age 15 and 77; Frank, Owen's friend). All other parts by members of the cast.
Cast Credits (programme order): Director - Amanda Wilsher. Original Production Director and Designer - Toby Wilsher. Masks - Mike Chase (The Mask Studio 01453 766 772) and Russell Dean. Costumes - Fiona Hankey. Original Lighting Design - Paddy Dawson. Company Stage Manager and Props - James Naish. Technical Stage Manager - Emily Williams. Set Construction - Mark Wilsher (Set-Up Scenery 01767 651 649). Set Consultant - Russell Dean. Costume Construction - Meryl Chen, Karen Ferry, Ani Townsend. Graphic Design - Iain Lanyon (020 7354 3362). Thanks to - Bob Crosby (Music), BT (Loan of tent), Jessops, Maria Cork, Eurotunnel. Production Photos - Ron Walker (01582 811 228). Trestle Theatre Company Artistic Director - Toby Wilsher.
Island was devised in 2000 by the original Company and developed with the current cast. Running time - approx 2 hr including interval 20 minutes.
END
John Park
reviewed Monday 7 April 03 / Chelmsford Chancellor Hall
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
