Charming Piece of Theatre

Shadowlands is a play based on the true, tragic love story of author CS Lewis and American poet, Joy Davidman.

Old Town Theatre Company has the knack of picking the most difficult plays to produce, but manage to succeed in coming up with an end product that has little if any faults.

Wendy Vickery took on the play as a first time director. Now that was brave.

She produced a truly stunning piece. Sensitively and charmingly played out with some excellent performances.

Her stage direction and handling of the vast amount of scene changes were like a well oiled machine.

The pace was constant, holding the audience's attention throughout.

Lance Hodges, as Lewis, took to his role and the characterisation of the confirmed bachelor turned loving husband with ease.

My attention was held from start to finish.

His enormous amount of dialogue was delivered perfectly and accurately without a forgotten word or lost emotion.

Newcomer, Nina Brautigam, as Joy Davidman, proved what an accomplished actress she is, and can only be a great asset to OTTC.

The final scenes could so easily have been overacted and without the true feeling of the moment. Not in this case.

Michael Fletcher as Warnie, Lewis' brother, gave us his usual all round expertise, and superb timing in the comedy lines, with a wonderful rapport between the two characters.

It is not possible for me to mention everyone who took part in this well rehearsed play.

Suffice to say there wasn't a weak link in any of the characters.

Shadowlands calls on a youngster to play the part of Joy Davidman's nine year old son, Douglas. Abbi Davey has quite a future, if her portrayal was anything to go by.

A lovely performance among all these seasoned adult actors.

Writer William Nicholson handles the subject matter sensitively and sympathetically. OTTC did likewise to give another tremendous performance.

Oh, and yes, I did go with a hankie in my pocket, and used it for all the right reasons.

Ros Hollands
Swindon Evening Advertiser
Saturday, 8 March 2003