The Valley Troupers Northleigh
Formed in 1992, The Valley Troupers have staged a wide variety of productions at Northleigh's Village Hall. A one-night entertainment at the Harvest supper that year has grown into a regular annual production. We are always looking for members, so if you are interested in acting or helping behind the scenes, do get in touch. Rehearsals at Northleigh's village hall usually start at 7.45pm each Thursday evening from mid September until performance dates in late March or early April. Ask any member of the Troupers for details of the current production.
Laughter in the Dark
Contact Email: Troupers@gmx.com
Their latest production was reviewed by Richard Land.
For their twentieth production the Valley Troupers chose for 2010 the comedy "Laughter in the Dark", which filled the village hall for three nights in March.
The undoubted star of the show was Philip Goddard as Gripe the creepy butler, a splendid combination of humour and menace. He was supported by a large, enthusiastic and talented cast of troupers new and old. Special mention must be made of a new, young and pretty member, Abbie Sowden, who gave a spirited performance as, the programme says, "a lively, likeable young lady", and so she was. Another newcomer, Matt Shaw, impressed as "an amiable and fatuous young man". The third newcomer, young Zach Bricknell, had fun as "a horrible, mouldy figure, decayed at the edges". The Troupers are surely well named, as stalwarts Tara Huffman, Amanda Furnival, Sue Child, Mike Faraday and Judy Watts as usual, brought their comic characters to life with great gusto. Billie Hodge created a very legal "Legal Lady" whilst Pat Conway evoked great sympathy as the put-upon "...husband, short sighted and shy" Brian North terrified as "a very large Red Indian" with a Greek accent!
Ba Faraday did well to direct such a large cast on a small stage. She was, as always, supported by a strong team back stage who ensured that sound, set, costume, lighting and prompting were all up to the expected standard. Pauline Knight again took on the unrewarding task of ticket sales and publicity whilst John Platt produced another full and informative programme. Once again, the Art Group enhanced the atmosphere with a series of ghostly pictures on the walls.
One hears terrible tales of the agonies of the Troupers go through during rehearsals as the Big Night looms. Each year cancellation is threatened when panic sets in, yet each year the Troupers provide their friends and supporters in the village with a really enjoyable evening out and a good laugh, not at them but with them, as there is a warm rapport between players and audience. On the rare occasions when there may be the odd slip or forgetfulness one can feel the warm wave of sympathy from audience to player. It is to be hoped that the Troupers enjoy putting on their plays as much as we, the audience, enjoy watching them. Long live the Troupers; roll on next year!