Guild of Drama Adjudicators
Patron Alan Ayckbourn
Adjudicator's Report (One-Act Play)
Festival at: The Arts Centre, Swindon
Promoted by: Swindon & District Theatre Guild
On: Thursday 26th to Saturday 28 February 2004
Society, Group: Old Town Theatre Company
In: "Office Party" (excerpt) by John Godber
Choice of Play
This is a modem play by an excellent playwright
that offers many challenges in the style of dialogue - short
lines that need to be cued quickly to ensure a natural delivery.
Although I understand why you entered an excerpt (due to your
busy schedule and the timing of the Festival), I think you
made quite a difficult task for yourselves. It does 'stand
alone' but an audience is not able to meet fully rounded characters
as they do not see them in 'office mode' - only 'party mode'.
Staging
You had created a good playing area by the placing of the
office furniture. I particularly appreciated the depth of
your set by the use of plants placed behind the back screen
and the posters on the cyc. The colour choice was apt too.
Detailed dressing of the set ensured that we were aware that
it was Christmas party time! The party, happening off left
just down the corridor, was created with flashing disco lights
just discernible to the audience, and live noises off. A well
staged production.
Costumes
These were as required by the characters, with everyone dressed
for a party, except perhaps Andy who hadn't really intended
to go anyway. The age and status of the characters was reflected
and the image of Bob's stomach smeared with chocolate mousse
is certainly unforgettable! I think it would have been appropriate
for clothing to become quite wet with sweat as well as characters
becoming dishevelled.
Lighting
Adequate all-over cover was given. I suggest that once the
Disco is over the level of intensity be reduced - particularly
on the eye. As it became too dominant for the final scene.
Sound
The party happening off left was good, as it managed to sound
like a typical office party disco - not a particularly respectable
time being had by all! At times it could have swelled a little
more as it became more raucous. The company is to be congratulated
in the overall presentation of their entry which was of a
high standard.
Pace
Generally the pace was good. Many of the characters are required
to enter at such a high level (Andy & Jo not included) in
anticipation of the fun to be gained from the evening's festivities
and they are then required to become even higher as the action
passes. Most characters drink too much and technique of conveying
this needs tremendous attention to detail. You need to talk
with a slur and/or very deliberately over enunciating; move
with slight loss of control over muscles - particularly eye
focus; listen showing the amount of concentration this requires.
This obviously needs to build as more booze is drunk. Some
members of the cast were more successful in all these areas
than others! All however, showed a good sense of timing for
comedy.
Direction
A secure hand of the director was shown, with good attention
shown to detail. The action flowed smoothly throughout, with
clever use made of the angled desks as seating areas and the
wheeled chair. Attention is needed to Jo's entrance on page
56 so that the audience's focus is brought to observe the
new character.
Acting
Pippa: I found her a believable character
as a brash nineteen-year old that becomes liberated by the
drink. She had an expressive face and worked hard to convey
the drunken characterisation. Remember that most drunks try
to convince everybody they are very sober!
Bob: This was a pleasing performance.
He maintained the character, who could obviously drink for
England, throughout the action whilst always having good diction
through his slurred delivery. His movement also conveyed his
state of inebriation most expertly.
Patty: In this excerpt, Patty has to
undergo many mood changes, which this actress mostly achieved.
She has to start on a high for her first entrance, become
slightly maudlin in the dialogue with Jo and finally loose
her temper with Bob. The talk with Jo could be taken at a
slower pace with the use of pauses to allow us to 'see' her
thoughts, so that we can see that she was hurt by the episode.
Andy: This is the character that I think
suffered most from not having seen the , every-day' Andy.
The depression and mixed-up character came through, but it
was difficult to get much variety of vocal tones in this excerpt.
The change with Jo, when he finally gave in to his desire
was very well observed and beautifully timed.
Lee: This was a very well focused performance,
with the rather naive character created and maintained throughout.
We could almost 'see' him thinking (rather slowly!) as he
shared his realisation about what was happening around him,
with us. A very pleasing performance, I was impressed.
Gavin: This actor was able to turn in
a convincing performance and direct all at the same time.
Well done! A natural performance - especially when talking
about Caroline - with status of the MD shown in this sociable
setting. He has an expressive face.
Jo: This was a stylish characterisation,
but one that suffered by the cutting down to a one act. She
was sympathetic with Patty, but I suggest that once she has
decided she is taking the relationship with Andy forward that
more use is made of highly charged pauses and direct stares.
She coped very well, as is did Andy, with some demanding business!
Scores
Possible / Awarded
Presentation
15 / 12
Production
35 / 24
Acting
40 / 28
Endeavour/Originality
10 / 6
Total
70%
Grade
B
Adjudicator
Jane Levan (Goda)
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