REVIEW - Bristol Evening World Tuesday October 17th 1961 - IT'S INCREDIBLE

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THIS DRAMA SOCIETY MAKE IT . . . CREDIBLE!

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"The Two Mrs. Carrolls," Weston-super-Mare Dramatic Society, Playhouse Theatre

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They've done it. THey have chosen a thriller - and a well-worn one at that - and

really made it thrill!

By a combination of good casting, thoughtful production and plenty of movement,

this society has made a rather incredible story completely credible.

Paul Dening, as artist Geoffrey Carroll, neatly hides his homicidal tendencies under

a well-polished, workmanlike exterior - until the death of the second Mrs. Carroll

becomes a matter of urgency.

The first Mrs. Carroll was the one that got away - and whether the second Mrs.

Carroll will survive her husband's liquidating intentions is the stuff of which this

thriller is made.

The build-up of this play relies entirely on Barbara Coates' performance as Sally

Carroll - and she weathers the emotional storms with complete success.

Cecily Harden - the attractive reason for Geoffrey reaching for the poison - is

played with appealing poise by Mary Mee, and Joy Wilkinson as the first Mrs.

Carroll conveys just what her life must have been like when her husband entered

the wife-disposal business. 

Pauline Fitzgerald as the maid, Clemence, gives a thoughtful performance; Brian

Pike exudes cocky re-assurance as Dennis and Jill Redman is a quiet unassuming

Mrs. Latham.

David Hemming could gather a little more professional panache as Dr. Tuttle.

This is a clearly audible, well-set, immaculately costumed production by Neville

Redman - just the stuff to warm the blood of an autumn evening.                 "CEH"

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REVIEW - Western Daily Press Wednesday April 18th 1961 - THE TWO MRS. CARROLLS

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Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare: The Two Mrs. Carrolls, by

Martin Vale.

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Murder and mayhem, in this day of film and television realism,

can look a little corny in front of the footlights of the living stage.

And, truth to tell, there is something a little dated about Weston-

super-Mare Dramatic Society's choice of autumn play. It might

so easily have been one of several hundred whodunits.

But that said, I must confess I enjoyed this production far more

than I anticipated. Thanks solely to the wholehearted efforts of

the cast.

Particularly good was Barbara Coates, as the second of the two

Mrs. Carrolls. She is really the centrepiece of this play, and as

such admirably builds up the tension as it becomes obvious

that the one and only Mr. Carroll is not all he seems to be.

The artist's temperament is lacking in Paul Dening's portrayal

of her husband, but he conveys well the cold, calculating side

of his makeup.

        Usurper

The first Mrs. Carroll received a sepia treatment from Joy

Wilkinson. That was probably in keeping with the author's intention, yet the character's actions make for a bolder figure.

Also worthy of mention - Mary Mee, a most attractive usurper of an artist's affections.

Production by Neville Redman was sure and had plenty of pace and movement.

The play continues all this week.                                                                                                                                       J.B.

 

PHOTOGRAPH  -  Bristol Evening Post Tuesday October 17th 1961                                                                                                                                         

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Jill Redman, Brian Pike, Mary Mee, Pauline Fitzgerald

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REVIEW - Weston Mercury and Somersetshire Herald Friday October 20th 1961 - AN ARTIST HUSBAND WITH MURDEROUS INTENT

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'THE TWO MRS. CARROLLS' PRESENTED BY WESTON DRAMATIC SOCIETY

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Women really should be more careful when they marry - or perhaps "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" are just unlucky. In this play, presented by Weston-super-Mare Dramatic Society at the Playhouse this week, they both discover their husband is trying to murder them, and yet they insist on loving him.

Not two separate husbands, but the same man. The first Mrs. Carroll he divorces, signing a confession of intent to murder. The

second Mrs. Carroll finds out the truth almost too late, but is rescued by her husband's first wife as his hands tighten on her

throat!

        Lack of Subtlety

The writer, Martin Vale, sets his scene, threatens disaster, and then brings rescue and a comfortable solution. It is an age old formula without subtlety or surprise, and the Society is content to leave it that way. However, it still makes a gripping, emotional drama.

Barbara Coates, who plays the second Mrs. Carroll, makes the most of her scenes of hysteria, terror and distraint, and is a

sensitive and convincing actress. Despite this, however, the play ends rather lamely and Monday's audience was obviously not

convinced by the murder scene.

Part of the fault lies in Paul Dening's portrait of the artist, Carroll. A blustering attitude does not suggest the psychopath, nor does it create dramatic tension.

The principle character is a painter and his motives are closely bound up with his paintings and his artistic sensitivity - or so we are led to believe at first. But this side of the story becomes forgotten just as it grows interesting, and we are left with a melodrama.

        Stress and Harmony

Neville Redman, who produces could find variety of tempo, a whole range of rhythms in the writing but, on Monday, moments of stress and harmony were treated alike, and the characters accordingly did not become wholly alive. A pause can be as expressive as any words.

Grouping can be improved by making wider use of all the acting areas and by avoiding up-staging, which presents the main speaker's neck to the audience.

Joy Wilkinson is a sympathetic first Mrs. Carroll, and Mary Mee, in her brief appearances, suggests a wilful young woman. Unfortunately, the author does not reveal many of these characters to us fully. Brian Pike plays a pleasant friend who flits across the scene, and Jill Redman a friendly neighbour.

David Hemming assumes a fine disguise as the doctor, and Pauline Fitzgerald is a pert French maid.

The settings are attractive and there is a genuine atmosphere of the sunny Mediterranean shore.

Others assisting in the production are Wilfred Roe (stage manager), Molly Underwood (effects), Diane Dening (wardrobe), assisted by Nina Rees, Jenny Briggs (properties) and David Hemming (business manager).

The production continues tonight and tomorrow, when there is also a matinee, and part of the proceeds will be given to Weston-super-Mare Football Club.                                                                                                                                R.M.D.