The Actress

The Actress is a comedy set on a single night - the final performance of an actress about to retire. Well directed and performed by the team at KADS, this is a quality production that charmed its audiences.

Director Karin Staflund gives us a well-appointed dressing room (and glimpse of the stage) - using almost the complete capacity of KADS’ stage area, built with integrity by Martin Dorman and Peter Bloor. It is dressed beautifully by Karin Staflund, with top class props by the director and Linda Redman. Lighting design by Alex Tickner adds to the realism. Costumes by Karin, Tasha Jane and cast are well chosen.

A character driven play, much relies on the performance of the title role, and we are not disappointed. Kirstie Francis is excellent as Actress Lydia Martin, establishing tangible relationships with all other characters. Marsha Holt becomes somewhat of an audience favourite as Katherine, Lydia’s dresser, with subtle but “tell-all” facial expressions, and a lovely sense of purpose. Fi Livings brings high energy to her role as Harriet, Lydia’s agent. Clearly the sort of person, who wears a tall hat to the theatre, and probably not a great agent, Fi established this role with flair. Almost the opposite in personality, Jane Sherwood (who played Lydia in Stirling’s incarnation of this play) brings her experience to find every ounce of humour and doggedness in Margaret, the Company Management.

Lydia’s family also have well developed connections. Amanda Bird performs well aa adult daughter Nicole. Peter O’Connor brings maximum charm to ex-husband Paul, while Paul Larder is both very funny and very genuine as French accented fiancé Charles.

A lovely quality show to close a great year at KADS. A look backstage that is both nostalgic and food for thought.

Kimberley Shaw