Here's to you, Benjamin Braddock

Frome Drama Club continued its obsession with all things transatlantic with a production of The Graduate at the Merlin last week.  While their last show (and our first experience of FDC) was a triumph (Ayckbourn's very English The Revengers' Comedies) , the company seemed less at ease with the American vernacular (though ironically they keep on producing plays written or based across the pond).

It was technically slick - good sound, lighting and video projection - and staged with a boldness (complete with sex scenes of varying athleticism) that would leave many an am dram company hiding behind their Noel Coward scripts. But somehow it never really took off. It wasn't as funny as it should have been nor as sexy. But there were a couple of stand-out performances  - Dan Gaisford as the eponymous lead (perhaps a little old for the part, but still convincing) and Tina Waller as the girl he eventually leads away from the altar and off to a happy ending in a motel room.

I wonder if the directors are enamoured of American theatre, while the actors are more comfortable on British soil. Their autumn production is Macbeth set during World War I. We shall see if the witches can weave some home-grown magic.

http://www.fromedrama.com

Revenge is a dish best served in Frome

Had our first encounter with Frome's amateur thespians this weekend - the Frome Drama Club has been staging Alan (sorry, Sir Alan) Ayckbourn's 'The Revengers' Tragedies' at the financially-challenged Merlin Theatre. And what a good job they did of it too. It's an unwieldy monster - two full length plays totalling  around five hours that combine to make up the one narrative. Part 1 was cracking - the production really capturing Ayckbourn's signature bleak comedy. If part 2 sagged a bit in the middle, that was mostly Sir A's fault as he seemed to be merely treading dramatic water in preparation for the famous dénouement on Albert Bridge...

The Merlin has a fine auditorium - good sight lines, comfy seats and plenty of room for the long-legged - though the front of house is looking a bit tatty (perhaps hardly surprising, given that they are currently suffering serious grant deprivation). Still, there was a tasty (veggie) supper to be had between shows, the bar prices were reasonable, people were generally friendly and, all in all, it was a fine advert for Am Dram.

At the FDC revenge is, indeed, sweet.



http://www.fromedrama.com
http://www.merlintheatre.co.uk