You have to admire Venture for their conscious development of community theatre talent. This evening of three one-act plays was the final production of the group’s 40th year, and an entertaining evening it was. As part of Venture’s development policy, the plays were directed by first time directors. One was written by playwright Terrence Rattigan, and the others by Venture member Valerie Lane.

 

Lee Glasson’s direction of the Rattigan piece, The Browning Version, was controlled and well-paced. Jason Lokan made a good fist of the complex central character, Andrew, a failed schoolmaster. Of the others, Kristy Mundy struck the right note as Millie and Andrew Freeborn impressed in his small but significant role as the schoolboy, Taplow.

 

Fragment, directed by Nicolle Smith, was an interesting little play which traced the fortunes and superstitions of several generations, successfully played by the same set of actors. They kept the appreciative audience‘s attention throughout. Kristy Mundy was versatile and convincing in her adult roles, and Alexandria Aubrey showed sensitivity and focus as various young characters. 

 

Granny’s Glasses, directed by Emma Kinlock, was genuinely funny. Lane’s script contained farce and magic, and plenty of amusing one liners. Lucy Marshallsay and Nicole Philipson held the plot together as sisters Candy and Brandy, while all others gave consistent performances. Kyle Hopgood, as usually-behind-the couch surfer Seth was engaging and humorous. In a nice touch, local MP Katrine Hildyard made a lively cameo appearance as a newsreader.

 

It was refreshing to see such promotion of new directors and local writers.