Local drama group receives standing ovation
The set and lighting were a cut above any amateur theatre I have attended, and together with some very polished performances, it was a night to remember.
On Friday night there was a standing ovation for Leighton Buzzard Drama Group’s latest production from an audience totally enthralled with the play “Things I Know to be True” by Andrew Bovell.
LBDG completed its successful run of Things I Know to Be True between 16th - 18th April at the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre.
Taking place over the course of a year (or four seasons), the story weaves around a family and their struggles as they navigate their way through life.
The club’s newest directors Sophie Dean and Lois Wright undertook this family drama with great sympathy and understanding, working closely with a strong cast. Each young actor portraying the four adult children demonstrated their diverse relationships both with their siblings and their parents.
Sarah Smerald gave a superb performance as the exasperated eldest daughter, desperate to escape her own family circumstance. Louis Fordham demonstrated great care and understanding for his portrayal of a young man struggling with his identity, a beautiful bit of acting. Matty Davies played the truculent young son to perfection and Lauren Raisbeck was simply delightful as the youngest daughter, a very talented actress whose previous drama training was very evident in her performance.
The relationship between the mother, Fran and father, Bob was sensitively portrayed, a relationship built over many years of marriage, hoping their children would always be close to hand and following their parents’ example. As with many dramas, expectations do not always go to plan.
The measured calm of Bob, played by Mark Loughran contrasted with the apparent virulent reactions of his wife, played by Jo Taylor although the rapport between them signified a close relationship.
The part of Fran is a gift to a talented actress and Jo Taylor took up the challenge with great success. Many of the female members of the audience could identify with her, a complex character struggling with her demanding job, her children’s problems and her own secret frustrations. Having won the sympathy of the audience it was no wonder many were reaching for tissues as they left the theatre.
The set and lighting were a cut above any amateur theatre I have attended, and together with some very polished performances, it was a night to remember.