Photo Credit: Mark Douet
Arnold Bennett’s comic novel is inventively and fabulously re-told by Claybody Theatre on its latest run at New Vic which opened on Saturday.
Bennett’s 1911 tale tells the story of Edward Henry (Denry) Machin and his rise from lowly son of a washerwoman to Mayor of Bursley. The endearing Denry gets there through ingenuity, blind luck sometimes and all with a generous helping of humour. The novel itself was turned into a film starring Alec Guinness and Petula Clark in 1952 (called The Promoter)
Bennett, of course, makes more than a little reference to his home town of Stoke-on-Trent with places such as Bursely (Burslem) and Hillport (Porthill.) and it is wonderful to see this work revived in the area.
Gareth Cassidy who has been in New Vic productions such the recent tour of ‘Ladies Day’, starred as Denry Machin and he was a marvel. He was brilliant as the lovable character and he is so versatile with his facial expressions and physicality. He brings so much to this role and once again he shines at this venue.
Howard Chadwick plays multiple characters such as surly boss Mr. Duncalf as well as Mrs. Machin, Denry’s mother. His versatility was great to watch and his portrayal of Mrs. Machin brought much laughter from the audience, there was even a light-hearted reference to that Staffordshire staple, lobby.
Jessica Dyas again played multiple characters in the production and shone in her role as the ever-so-slightly snooty and manipulative Ruth Earp, with a wonderful scene (no spoilers) with a runaway removal cart.
Jenny Murphy was great as the lovable Nellie Cotterill, the chaperone in the shadows of the large character of Ruth Earp, but also as the warm and gentle daughter of Cllr. Cotterill.
Other cast members included Christopher Glover expertly playing multiple characters (including Cllr. Cotterill) as did Molly Roberts as the fun loving ‘Countess of Chell’, but also an amusing performance of Widow Hullins. Eddy Westbury (who many may recognise from Tom, Dick and Harry) and Isobel Chadwick also wonderfully played several characters. Shout out to Eddy for his expert keepie-uppies!
Added to the wonderful acting was the multi-talented cast singing, dancing and playing musical instruments throughout the production as well as a live brass band (Acceler8 Band) who accompanied at many points during the performance, appearing at various places in the theatre, on stage, in the aisles etc.
The whole production was spectacular, the performances, costumes, music and was perfectly set in the round. It was a joy to watch such an uplifting tale with a local connection.
The production is on until 10th June and tickets are available here
