Box Theatre Company |
Last production
Separate Tables, 28th February to 3rd March 2018
By Terence Rattigan.
1956: The Beauregard Private Hotel near Bournemouth is a hotbed of repressed emotions and middle-class Englishness. Each of the staff and residents has their own reasons for seeking the solace of a quiet life, but hiding away from a growing wave of cultural change proves to be impossible. Things can’t go on as they were and nothing will ever be the same again.
Today: 50 years on from the decriminalisation of homosexuality, this alternative version of Rattigan’s gently subversive two act drama (written by him for its American premiere) observes the challenges to the status quo of the changes in post-war British culture and puts a spotlight on the treatment of ‘difference’ within our society.
Where
Review of The Sea
27th to 30th April 2016
Review from the Newbury Weekly News.
Box raise the theatrical bar
Box Theatre: The Sea, at The Watermill, Bagnor, from Wednesday, April 27, to Saturday, April 30
Edward Bond's The Sea was a challenging choice for the Box Theatre's latest production at The Watermill and it was an impressive performance, skilfully directed by Gavin Slaughter, with a splendid cast.
First produced in 1973, it is a tragic comedy set in 1907, in a small east coast village.
It starts dramatically with a huge storm similar to Shakespeare's Tempest, when a young man is drowned, despite the local draper being a paid coastguard, to keep a watch for such incidents and provide assistance.
Neal Murray gives a superb, convincing and powerful performance as the draper Hatch, who believes that aliens visit in the evening and are determined to take over the minds of the local community
His nemesis is Mrs Rafi, the elderly lady of the manor – a cross between Lady Bracknell and the Dowager Countess of Grantham (Downton Abbey) – beautifully played by Tracey Donnelly.
Hatch depends on her patronage of his shop in order to survive, but she is nearly bankrupting him by ordering special cloth, returning it and refusing to pay, which drives him into a downward spiral towards mental torment and finally raving lunacy. There is a particularly good scene with him cutting up bolts of cloth in utter desperation.
Alex Cameron-Watts perfectly captures Rafi's long-suffering companion Mrs Tilehouse. Also within this close-knit community we meet Rose Jones (Beth West), who is sadly waiting for her boyfriend's body to be discovered.
His funeral is attended by all the villagers, with some decidedly dodgy hymn singing.
Neil Dewdney is the stranger Carson, who is regarded with suspicion, being the only survivor of the boat accident.
This play raises questions about how society treats outsiders and is certainly relevant to today. It explores the need for society to change and how this is to be achieved.
The reclusive alcoholic Evens, a totally delightful performance by Keith Keer, lives on the beach and has rejected society "If they put you through a ringer you could start a brewery," says one of the villagers.
Other members of the community include the bumbling vicar (Mike Huxtable), Paul Shave as Carter and Jamie Evans as young Billie, and there is excellent support from the large confident ensemble, who play the other characters with zest.
Box Theatre's aim has always been to bridge the gap between amateur and professional theatre and with this excellent production they have certainly raised the bar to achieve their aspiration.
ROBIN STRAPP
Previous productions
The Sea, 27th to 30th April 2016
The Canterbury Tales, 14th to 17th May 2014. See the review in the archive.
Habeas Corpus, 6th to 9th November 2013. See the review in the archive.
The False Servant, 2nd to 5th May 2013. See the review in the archive.
The Island of Slaves, 9th to 12th February 2011.
See the review in the Archive.
Sganarelle, 24th to 27th March 2010. See the
review in the Archive.
The Game of Love and Chance, 28th to 31st October 2009. See the
review in the Archive.
The Memory of Water, 15th to 18th October 2008. See the
review in the Archive.
The Good and Faithful Servant and Alternative Accommodation, 12th to 15th March 2008.
See the review in the Archive.
Dangerous Corner, 8th to 11th November 2006. See the review in the Archive.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist, 25th to 28th January 2006. See the
review in the Archive.
A Streetcar Named Desire, 11th to 14th May 2005. See the review in the
Archive.
Look Back in Anger, 3rd to 6th November 2004. See the review in the
Archive.
Blue Remembered Hills, 26th February to 1st March 2003. See the review
in the Archive.
A Doll's House, 3rd to 6th April 2002 at the Watermill. See the review
in the Archive.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses, 30th May to 2nd June 2001 at New
Greenham Arts. See the review in
the Archive. We also did this production at HADCAF on 1st July.
Bouncers, by John Godber, 21st to 24th
June 2000. A vision of 90s urban nightlife. See the reviews in the
Archive.
About the company
The Box Theatre Company was formed in 1993 with one aim to bridge the gap between amateur and professional theatre in the area, by providing committed amateurs and aspiring professionals with opportunities to produce challenging drama within the framework of a professionally operated Theatre Company. We aim to produce innovative, quality theatre for the West Berkshire area. All members live locally, and are united in their desire to promote the development of local theatre and drama.
Past Box productions include:
- Fear and Misery of the Third Reich by Bertolt Brecht
- One was Nude and One Wore Tails by Dario Fo
- The Artful Widow by Goldini
- The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov
- Our Countries Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker at The Watermill Theatre
- Trumpets and Raspberries by Dario Fo
- Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel
- The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
- Bouncers by John Godber
- Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton
Since their previous base at the Arts Workshop, Newbury, was closed in November 1998 The Box have moved to New Greenham Arts, and have performed both Dancing at Lughnasa and The Glass Menagerie in the auditorium.
The Box Theatre Company wishes to provide opportunities for committed local people to become involved in all areas of theatre. We are always keen to recruit new members, for on or off stage roles, and invite any interested people to contact Tracey on 07766 775980.