Reviewed by Janice Bailey
April 2015
St Judes have a well-deserved reputation for presenting consistent first-class theatre. They have again delivered with their current production of Love in the Trenches and Heroes.
It always amazes me how set designers manage to transform a ‘difficult’ stage into a set which creates the required atmosphere and setting. Tony Clancy has done this exceptionally well for this production.
Director Vicky Horwood has combined two war-related pieces in a tribute to the Anzacs. The first piece, Love in the Trenches is inspired by letters sent between a mother, who has had to send her beloved son off to war and her son, who has found himself in a world of horror. These two characters represent thousands of people who were thrown into this situation. Vicky has created this piece lovingly and with great respect and empathy. You could have heard a pin drop throughout the hall. Anna Pike as the mother and Hal Bruce as Reggie are perfectly suited to their characters and deliver excellent performances.
I regret that I have been oblivious to the existence of the play, Heroes. It is a beautifully scripted, delightful piece. The play is set in a French War Veterans’ retirement home circa 1959. In this production the three characters are wonderfully brought to life by Brian Knott as Henri, Andrew Horwood as Gustave and David Rapkin as Philippe. Each of these experienced actors deliver first-rate performances under the skilful direction of Vicky. It was clearly a labour of love to all concerned. You have May 6-9 to enjoy a beautiful theatrical experience. Don’t miss it!
