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Spring 2008 Production
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Cold Comfort Farm the comic novel by Stella Gibbons, adapted by Paul Doust |
See the NODA Review here.
Ever since as a little girl Aunt Ada saw 'something nasty in the woodshed', Cold Comfort Farm has been cursed. The arrival of the charismatic Robert Poste's child, aka Flora, breaks the spell. This hilarious take on rural life in the 1930's is an evergreen classic for all ages.
The play is set in Sussex in the 1930's
Cast & Characters
| Director | Mark Hebert |
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Although this is my first time with the Huntingdon Drama Group, it feels as if I'm with old friends. I was thrilled when the committee accepted my proposal to mount 'Cold Comfort Farm' and have been delighted with the support that I have received from everyone. The novel, by Stella Gibbons, is a very special one to many of us and the adaptation by Paul Doust retains much of the charm whilst also adding a bit more. It's always hard to assess how a show will go down with an audience, but judging by the laughs we're getting in rehearsal I have no fears. |
| Flora Poste | Caroline Harbord |
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Recently orphaned young woman. She is purposeful, well educated and intelligent. With charm as well as authority. |
| Judith Starkadder |
Jeanette Brown |
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Mother of the clan. Barking mad, but with moments of lucidity. Obsessed with her son, Seth. |
| Elfine Starkadder |
Sarah Ward |
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Daughter of Judith. Young rustic who's unaccountably become mixed up with poetry and the arts and crafts movement. In love with Richard, but promised to Urk. |
| Aunt Ada Doom | Ann Monk |
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Grandmother to the clan. Confined herself to her room as a child (after seeing something nasty in the woodshed) and has ever since exerted a malign influence on the family. |
| Poor Daft Rennet | Kelly Mason |
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The name says it all! Flora cures her of some of her unappealing habits, such as throwing herself in the well. Obsessed with an unseen character called Mark Delour, who for some reason cannot satisfy her. |
| Mrs Hawk Monitor | Carol Wadey |
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Mother of Richard. Upper crust lady. Strong willed but reasonable. |
| Reuben Starkadder |
Chris Topham |
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Rustic and the only man on cold comfort farm who can farm. Suspicious and moody. |
| Amos Starkadder |
Brian Perrett |
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Father of clan and husband of Judith. No interest in anything apart from the religious sect, the Quivering Brethren. |
| Sneller | Roy Bellass |
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Butler for the Hawk Monitors. |
| Urk Starkadder |
Kevin Webb |
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Extremely loathsome character promised at birth to Elfine. |
| Richard Hawk Monitor |
Phil Green |
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Upper crust, probably rather dim. In love with Elfine. |
| Adam Lambsbreath |
Michael Black |
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Charming old rustic, dedicated to the very small herd and to Elfine. General farm hand. |
| Mr Neck | Ronald Stevenson |
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Hollywood producer on the look out for new talent. |
| Seth Starkadder |
Mark Lamberth |
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Son of Judith. Matinee idol looks. Only really interested in the 'talkies', but has women throwing themselves at him. |
| Charles | Kevin Tuohy |
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Upper crust suitor to Flora. |
| Narration | Ruth Rawlings |
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| Props | Richard Meredith |
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Anybody got a tricycle? Contact me, thanks! |
NODA Review
Director : Mark Hébert
This was an interesting version of a well-loved classic which provided a lot of scope for a large cast. There were some really nice touches such as the original drawing by Deirdre Lee, the film poster in the foyer and the exploding clocks which kept everybody on their toes! In general, a lot of effort had been put into creating exactly the right atmospheric setting and the whole production team deserve congratulation.
Individual performances varied a little in quality and pace but perhaps this was to be expected in a piece where there were sure to be pre-conceptions. I particularly liked the light interpretation of Sarah Ward as Elphine, the varied reactions of Carol Wadey as Mrs Hawk-Monitor and the consistent gothic pessimism of Jeanette Brown as Judith. Brian Perrett, Chris Topham and Kevin Webb each created believable characterisations that strengthened the action. Ann Monk was a memorable Aunt Ada Doom and it somehow seemed appropriate that she should also have been credited with the creation of the Sukebind! However, the real success of the performance rested with Caroline Harbord who created a very intelligent and sympathetic portrayal of Flora, around whom most of the action flowed.
Michael G Williamson
Noda Representative : District 1