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|
| Cast |
| Dr Thomas Stockman | Peter Morris |
| Mrs Stockman | Jean Midlane |
| Petra | Patricia Robertson |
| Ejlif | Paul Charman |
| Morten Kiil | Bill Warren |
| Mayor | John Midlane |
| Captain Horster | Oliver Conerney |
| Houstad | Colin Townsley |
| Aslaksen | David Hampton |
| Billing | Steve Marshall |
| Crew | |
| Stage Manager | Christine Milkins |
| Assistant Stage Managers | Marilynn Matthews, Pearl Ayling |
| Set Design | Bob Lacey |
| Lighting | Peter Meehan, John King |
| Sound | Bill Ayling, Freda Phillips |
Review
Style and imagination for Ibsen
Edward Alderton Theatre, in Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, have never been afraid to tackle modern playwrights, but with their latest production, Ibsen's An Enemy of the People, they played safe and won many more friends.
Produced by Bob Lacey with style and imagination, it was a double triumph for him because he designed the ingenious sets as well. By simply sharing the stage among three sets by draping curtains strategically, he was able to switch from one centre of the action to another merely by drawing a curtain. That meant most of the stage setting could be done before the play started each night.
On stage it was Peter Morris who stole the limelight. A most experienced actor and producer himself, he imparted confidence to his colleagues so that most of the lines were delivered with confidence and belief.
Henrik Ibsen brooks no argument. His lines are distinct, plain in meaning and rounded into economy. Being the social critic he was, he made sure the audience were compelled to listen to what his actors and actresses said. And if anyone failed to get his message - that freedom of thought, of speech and individual action was the birthright of any person - then it was not the fault of the cast.
Peter Morris was word perfect. I detected not a stumble. And Dr Thomas Stockmann, the medicine man destined always to be fighting for some freedom or other, has a lot to say. His was a tremendous performance, with an individual interpretation that had his listeners silently applauding his determination to fight for his beliefs, swallowing without protest his pomposity and sympathising with his refusal to be subdued. Ibsen provided Dr Stockman with an unquenchable spirit. Peter Morris drank of it in great gulps and refreshed his audience with the way he poured out Ibsen's social conscience.
There were fine supporting performances, one especially from Patricia Robertson, who played Petra, the doctor's daughter. Her blind devotion to her father's cause required taking on a dash of his characteristics, which she did convincingly.
Jean Midlane, the doctor's wife, might have made her switch from at first trying to persuade her husband to surrender to deciding to stand behind him come what may, a little more dramatic. But she, too, gave a most competent performance. The mayor, John Midlane, stumbled over his words once or twice, but his facial expressions while the doctor was letting off steam were rivetting. And in the main he carried off the part well.
Oliver Conerney appeared miscast as Captain Horster. His voice was too cultured for a seafarer and there was little of the buccaneer about him. Paul Charman was Ejlif, Bill Warren played Morten Kiil, Colin Townsley was Houstad, David Hampton, Aslaksen, and Steve Marshall, Billing.
R J
Bexley Times | 23 March 1978
