A review of the show by Sylvia Brown in The Hargrave Herald:
It is said that everything comes to those who wait, so it was with happy anticipation that I arrived at the Thrapston Plaza for TADS spring production. It was a somewhat macabre piece, opening with the funeral of Lord Arlington, who it seemed was a not a very pleasant character during his lifetime. His daughter, Emily, had loved him and was convinced that he had been murdered. Obsessed by the story of Hamlet, she swears to avenge his death. This could easily have degenrated into melodrama but was skillfully played by Hayley Ansell with just the right mixture of misery and madness. The lighting and effects added to the atmosphere of a doomed family. Perhaps the voices from beyond the grave were slightly overdone, drowning the speakers at times. Every member of the cast gave a true characterisation in what was, I considered, a difficult play but worthy of the 60th anniversary as a member of TADSof Prudence Goss. Here she gave a master class of clarity of diction with every word having a meaning, in the role of the dowager Lady Isobel, this was with each word another drop of venom – brilliant!
The next production of the talented group is in November. I hope to have advance notice of booking to pass on as seating is limited 100, so you have to book early to avoid disappointment. By the way TADS stands for Thrapston Amateur Dramatic Society, in case you hadn’t already worked it out.
Director: Mr John Lillyman
Stage Manager: Mr Ryan Wright
Assisted by: Messrs Terence Breedon, Bryn Wright, Christopher Jones, Jethro Punter & Mrs Patricia Garton
Costumes: Mrs Vivienne Corbishley
Lighting & Effects: Mr Simon Smart
Stage Properties: Mrs Patricia Garton
Continuity: Mrs Elizabeth Treacy
Publicity, Press & Programmes: Mrs Vivienne Corbishley & Mrs Elspeth Anderson
Front of House: Miss Stephne Tewson & Members of the Society
Refreshment Beverages: Miss Stephne Tewson & Members of the Society
Bar: Mr & Mrs Raymond Dodds, Buntings Deli, Thrapston
Cast
Lady Cressida Arlington - Mrs Hazel Wright
Lady Isobel Arlington - Mrs Prudence Goss
The Hon Emily Arlington - Mrs Hayley Ansell
Mr Richard Harker - Mr James Ager
Chief Inspector Datchet - Mr Grahame Nightingale
Dr Shawcross - Mr Martin Picken
Inspector Eaton - Mr Martin Picken
Mabel (cousin to the Arlingtons) - Mrs Miranda Case
Dorothy (cousin to the Arlingtons) - Mrs Caroline Smart
Mrs Hodge - Mrs Patricia Garton
The Rector - Mr Frank Jenkins
Sergeant Charlton - Mr Frank Jenkins