Reveiwed by Ceri Horner
November 2012
Star Quality was originally a short story written by Noel Coward in 1951. It was later adapted for the stage by Coward in 1967 but was never performed during his lifetime.
This adaption by actor Christopher Luscombe has removed many of the characters and locations to make the play more suited to stage production.
Star Quality tells the story of a new and naive playwright as he produces his first work alongside a manipulative leading lady and a stubborn director.
Joshua Coldwell gives an enjoyable performance as Bryan Snow the playwright. Shelley Hampton as the leading lady Lorraine Barry has a good voice for the character and plenty of stage presence but could have added a little more Diva to the role.
As the stage director Ray Malcolm, Alan Fitzpatrick has great arrogance, although his accent is very uneven. Robert Bell adds fun and colour as the camp PA Tony, appearing completely at ease, even when almost naked.
Good support is also offered by Marcin Holownia, Allison Scharber, Loriel Smart, Peter Bleby and Brittany the dog.
Director Barry Hill makes excellent use of the space by utilizing costumed stage crew and the cast to efficiently change the sets and thus avoiding black outs wherever possible.
Star Quality has a storyline and characters most thespians will be completely familiar with. As we all know, there is always far more drama off stage than on!
