Double Act – This Secret Isle was tour de force of research, writing, staging and acting.
“A tour de force is an exceptional achievement or feat that is impressive or amazing.”
CVN Jan 25 Anon – (expressing good things about all organisations in the village)
Beryl Ezzard: (to Rob)
“Great performance and play: really enjoyed it – like a thriller – even a twist at the end. Brilliant! Hope you are all resting today – you deserve it.”
Cherry
Rachel Broadley – “Great show. You were all brilliant”
Connie Lavin “Bravo”
We really enjoyed the play on Saturday night – congratulations to you all.
Jo (Bryan)
awesome.
Saw a review of your play that cherry posted on facebook! Very nice.
Really happy i was able to come down and see it – really enjoyed it!
Martin
Hi Pete,
I spoke with some people yesterday evening who came to see This Secret Isle.
They volunteer at Holton Heath, clearing paths on the site of the cordite works, and said it gave them a real sense of connection to the place and its history.
They also said that they were stunned by the quality of the production and will “definitely come to see more” of our work.
No pressure, then ????
Lindsay
First act a bit too long. But still lively enough to keep the audience interested.
Anon
Great play, lots of different feelings expressed throughout. Audience clearly having a good time and responding well overall.
Can really only comment in depth for my character:
‘Show, not tell’ technique could have been used for Marie.
She was telling how she was being picked on. Instead, could have had quick scene showing kids/ ladies calling her a foreigner/ spy, so the audience could feel what it is like to be badly treated…
Scene 3 with John:
take away the ‘either’ in his opening line
‘Oh, no, I didn’t mean to offend you in any way. Just making conversation’ so he is apologising… and Marie has a strong line following.
‘No , no. Sorry.’ More apologising from John
John could have appeared more ‘aggressive’ in his words towards build up of Marie’s rant..
‘Marie’ did show different expressions though, so it was a pleasure to try and express them.
Husband and friends enjoyed the show. Friends did not expect it to be that long..
Hard to please everybody, lol.
Eliane
I would like to say how much my son and I enjoyed your production of This Secret Isle last weekend. He is very interested in war history and especially local events. Unfortunately I had not checked what time the play finished and had booked a table at a restaurant, therefore we had to leave a little before the end.
David Paget the scientist had just been taken away for questioning and there was a scene break at the point, so we sadly had to exit.
We have been chatting about how it all turned out! I would love to know the bare bones of what happened after that, especially who the amnesiac patient turned out to be! If you have time sometime perhaps you could email me the rest of the plot?
Congratulations on a great play well acted. I especially admired how you all remembered such a lot of lines.
Best wishes,
Carolyn and Craig Fathers
Sent her a last scene summary – very happy & now on mailing list.
Hi,
Fantastic! Thanks so much. What a great play. Really brought war time in the Purbecks to life.
So glad to know how it all turned out – and all that action just in one scene!
Please add my email address to your mailing list to hear of further productions.
All the best, Carolyn
Programs
A number of comments on how interesting all the info in the program was
Volume
Had some complaints about volume at the rear
One guy got quite stroppy?
Can we mic everybody up in future?
How many channels cane we achieve?
DVD
Hire The Rex or VH for a charity showing of DVD – for those that missed it.
Our spring event instead of Coffee Morning
Sequel
Lots of materials for same character arcs – most very traumatic!
Main Curtains
existing curtain rail been used since 2003 (not every year)
Time to upgrade?
Once done do we ‘cut’ the curtains to suit a standard stage height of 800mm?
OR leave it adjustable by pinning for floor length?
Need washing too – cheaper if after trimming BUT need to hang on any new rail first!
Could be Electric operation – £2/3k extra!!
T60 rail £1500
Sonia
Hi Pete
The feedback from the shows is overwhelming. So much praise for the authenticity, the script, the professional set, and the quality of the production. Well done, sir.
I have tried to capture the comments for you. Obviously, my friends praised me, so I have left that out.
Personally, i thought it was a very enjoyable experience, and I am proud to have helped bring your vision to life.
Doris
THIS SECRET ISLE
FEEDBACK FROM SHOWS
The feedback has been so good that folk who did not attend have asked whether there will be any more shows or could they buy a DVD. Perhaps put on a special matinee of the recording at the REX??!
Script and production
“It was a very enjoyable production “
“Excellent script, well written reflecting the expressions used at the time. Very authentic.”
“Bravo to all involved in the production ???? It was really well done and we thoroughly enjoyed it”
“Really enjoyed last night. Well done. Interesting serious yet fun. Great scenery. Thank you “
“I thought it was a fantastic performance. Fantastic script too! Thoroughly enjoyed it”
“Yes really enjoyed last night, fantastic characterisation, interesting story, and great performances from you…a bit odd singing and dancing so good in a war story”
“The lighting, sound and staging was very profession – very unlike amateur productions”
Lots of positive comments about authenticity of costumes and the set and the attention to detail
The bomb special affects got mentioned as a highlight. The script has got many locals thinking about the relics from WW2 on our local landscape.
Acting
Special mentions in no particular order:
Susan Truman – very authentic and attractive as the romantic lead – come a long way in her acting
Jane Truman – very talented actress can see her going far in her acting career
Jack Truman – very endearing performance
Ted Truman – authentic landlord
Ms Leman – well portrayed with amusing script “hen, chickens and eggs etc”
David and Cynthia Paget – brilliant portrayal of the scientist and his manipulative wife
Mr Walker/Bud – the actors could be brothers?!
Doris – strong portrayal of the matriarch taking no nonsense. Authentic hair and costume
Whole cast and quality of acting is commended. People forgave the odd prompt here and there as they were swept up in the story and the high quality of the production
What is next, we want more!