Aurelia

Set in a ‘well-to-do’ home in a small English village, Aurelia has more twists than Chubby Checker!

Aurelia (Gai Byrne) and her husband (Jon Turley) are out to swindle the elderly Lady Chalmont (Tracy Carroll) of all her worldly possessions – including her life. Caught up along the way are innocent bystanders: the maid, Vera (Maria Thompson) and a dear neighbour, Isabel (Rianna Hartley-Smith). Enter the unsavoury Mercer (Noel Thompson) menacing everyone in sight and you have the makings of an entertaining drama!

The wonderful cast work off each other beautifully with gripping performances all round, the set is effective and the lighting and sound work well, enhancing the tension on stage.

Styled in the 1950’s, the costumes are at home with the surroundings. Scene changes were slick and the music well chosen.

In spite of the inclement weather, the audience on opening night were totally enthralled with the entire performance.

With all the bitchiness and conniving on stage, one could be forgiven in thinking they were viewing the latest episode in a “Real Housewives” series.

The production is an ‘on the edge of your seat’ experience and one not to be missed.

Roger McKenzie