REVIEW - Bristol Evening Post Wednesday March 5th 1980  -  'UNUSUAL BUT INTERESTING CHOICE OF PLAY'

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A play about the problems mission nuns face in coping with a country's new Communist government is the unusual though interesting choice of Weston-super-Mare Dramatic Society for their first production of the new year.

On the first night of Maurice McLoughlin's play, A Letter from the General, at Weston's Playhouse, the atmosphere was slow to build up, mostly due to far too many prompt calls - but as the plot unfurled the cast became more confident.

Joy Wilkinson is well cast as the Reverend Mother, giving her character a convincing manner, poise and dignity.

Nan Hess is moving in the part of Sister Magdalen, portraying an old woman who believes in good in all people.

Although saddled with spasmodic Irish accents, Mary Hughes and Betty Board really develop the characters of Sisters Henry and Lucy. Teresinha Morton-Hicks, as young Sister Bridget, puts her youthfulness across by good expression in her dialogue and movement.

The portrayal of sharp-tongued embittered Ruth Stilton played by Brenda White is admirable - and she uses the stage to full effect. Peter Lightwood, as her husband, Arthur, made a weak beginning on the first night, although he gained strength during the performance.

Cameron Elliott, a convincing English mercenary with a chip on his shoulder, plays the part forcefully. Although little is seen of David Hemming as Father Schiller, he gives a positive portrayal.

Bill Rimmer, normally the society's stage manager, does well in directing this drama. It has its light-hearted moments as well as suspense.

The plot itself is simple but has a few surprising twists to it. The set, designed by the Playhouse theatre staff is effective and in keeping with the atmosphere.

A more or less continuous background sound of bird noises, by Norman Trenner, helps produce the atmosphere of the foreign country. Credit must also be given to Eileen Hatch, in charge of the wardrobe.

The production continues tonight and tomorrow.                                                                           J.H.W.

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REVIEW - Western Daily Press Thursday March 6th 1980  -  IN GENERAL, A GOOD NIGHT OUT

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Weston-super-Mare Playhouse: "A Letter From The General," by Weston Dramatic Society

 

A high number of misses cues and forgotten lines

failed to spoil the opening night of an otherwise

impressive production.

Maurice McLoughlin's drama, set in an unnamed

Eastern country after a Communist revolution,

centres on a group of nuns faced with the prospect

of having to flee their isolated mission.

At the same time they are harbouring a fugitive

German priest being hunted by a group of soldiers

led by a renegade British mercenary.

Joy Wilkinson plays the Reverend Mother with the

gentle dignity the role demands, while Mary Hughes,

Betty Board, Teresinha Morton-Hicks and Nan Hess

are impressive as her gallant band of nuns.

Cameron Elliott , cuts a convincing figure as the

renegade and Brenda White shines as the British

Consul's hard-bitten wife.

The play, directed by Bill Rimmer, runs until

Saturday.                                    ANDREW WHITE           

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