Review

And A Nightingale Sang

Tyldesley Little Theatre

Until Saturday

To bring the season to a close, Tyldesley Little Theatre chose CP Taylor’s northern comedy And A Nightingale Sang, and what a great choice it was!

The action of the play spans the years of the Second World War in the Manchester area. As the curtain opens we see ourselves in the modest home of the Stott family, all getting on with life amidst the bombings and upheaval of wartime Britain.

As the plot unfolds we have an insight into the ups and downs of family life and dealing with awkward situations, whilst ensuring that the family unit is always at the forefront.

The father of the family — George Stott is played by admirably by Adrian White. We are treated to Adrian’s vocal talents throughout the evening as this piano loving character sings his way through most situations.

He delivered one liners with aplomb and reacted perfectly to his wife’s constant nagging. Joyce Elder was in the role of Peggy Stott, the staunch Christian who kept the house together. Joyce brought a natural ease to the role and portrayed the character perfectly with excellent comedic timing and a good singing voice to boot.

The youngest daughter — Joyce was in the capable hand of Sally Mason, Sally brought a naivety to the role, which she played perfectly as she struggled to decide whether she loved her boyfriend enough to marry him but we then saw the character mature as the years passed by.

In the role of resident Grandad, Andie, was Society stalwart Ian Hunter. Ian’s delivery and comic timing was spot on — a character well portrayed.

Matt Walshaw as Joyce’s somewhat dim but forthright boyfriend then husband Eric was another excellent performance as was that of Alex Clarke as the boyfriend of elder sister, Helen.

Cathryn Megan Hughes played the part of elder sister, Helen and she certainly did not disappoint. This was a dual role in theory as she also narrated throughout the piece. Cathryn’s performance was exceptional. She engaged with the audience straight away and told the story with conviction as well as portraying her character perfectly. A joy to watch.

The split set of Lounge and kitchen was simple yet very effective.

Director, Margaret Speakes has done a sterling job and must be congratulated on an excellent production that brought the curtain down on another season at Tyldesey Little Theatre.

This is an extremely funny play, whilst having it’s poignant moments and is certainly worth seeing.

Runs until Saturday.

Graham Cohen.