This really is the final update on our Spring production but we have been completely blown away by the wonderful responses by so many of you! We thought you might like to read extracts from the professional reviews we had:
“Once again Redlynch Players had joined forces with Fordingbridge Players for this production.
Redlynch Village Hall is only a small venue but by using a few well-chosen props and a beautiful backcloth, a wonderful atmosphere was created.
The story line of the play had been adapted from an autobiography of Flora Thompsons life. I thought that it was a magical production that was totally enthralling, very entertaining and a wonderful history lesson. It was very well put together with lots of humour and emotion. I was very moved when Flora spoke about the loss of her brother in France during WW1. My congratulations goes to everyone involved, it was a most enjoyable evening, both my wife and I came away thinking that we had just witnessed something very special.”
– Brian Oliver – NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
“Lark on the Wing is a co-production with Fordingbridge Players, with whom Redlynch collabo-rated so fruitfully on the Thrush Green adaptations, and it benefits hugely from the dramatic re-sources of both companies. At its core is a heartfelt performance from Ali Silver as Flora, who narrates her own story from schoolgirl to post office clerk to wife and mother and, finally, budding author, never truly recognised in her own life time. She is the glue that holds the whole produc-tion together, with each scene punctuated by well-chosen musical accompaniment from Paul Stacey. With around 30 named characters, many of the cast are doubled or trebled, some with more to get their teeth into than others but all making their mark. Another little gem from these enterprising drama companies.”
– Lesley Bates
“Lark On the Wing begins with a humorous introduction that ostensibly commemorates the 75th anniversary of Flora Thompson’s death, but also provides a doorway to the story of her life that starts to unfold in Act One of the play. It is now 1938 and Flora Thompson (perfectly played by Ali Silver) is centre stage looking back on her life. She is the narrator of the story and also seam-lessly slips into the role of Flora herself as she grows from childhood to adulthood. Along the way a large array of colourful and humorous characters are brought to life: Flora’s mother Emma Timms, her brother Edwin, school teacher Miss Holmyard, Post Mistress Kesia Whitton, the rus-tic residents of Juniper Hill, and many more that can be found in Lark Rise To Candleford. While Act One is light-hearted, Act Two is a more serious and emotionally charged affair which deals with the melodrama of death in tragic circumstances, a strained marriage and the struggles Flora faced as a mother and wife, and as a frustrated author. The play is essentially a story in two parts that Ron Perry manages to fit perfectly together with a very satisfying result. Its depth and range requires an ensemble of cast members and it would be inappropriate to select individual performances for special praise, though as already intimated, Ali Silver does stand out in her dual roles of Narrator and Flora Thompson through the ages. This is a very challenging part and she delivers a nuanced performance with skill. All of the other cast members, many playing two or even three parts, were very good indeed. Similarly, the entire production team are to be congratulated for bringing everything together in perfect order and timing. This year also marks the 65th anniversary of the Redlynch Players and, with the help of the Fordingbridge Players, they have once again delivered a production of high quality.”
– Scene One Plus
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