Photo credit Andrew Billington
The New Vic hosts ‘Whatever Happened To Phoebe Salt’, the centrepiece of ‘Arthur Berry 100’, marking the centenary of the local playwright and poet’s birth. Penned especially for the New Vic in 1988 but never performed, Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt was the last play Arthur Berry wrote, and has been edited by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins.
The performance schedule also spanning the 100th year anniversary date of Stoke-on-Trent getting it’s city status, the cast is made up largely of local actors including Isabella Rossi, who is making her stage debut.
Initially set in Stoke in the 1950’s, with flashbacks, it has a raw edge and distinctly working-class timbre. Staged in a single setting, it tells the tale of the Salt household in Card Street. The lounge and kitchen laid out in traditional decor for a working class residence, each member of which, struggling with one aspect or another of their lives. Breaking the fourth wall several times and freezing the action at key points adds an air of mystery.
Simon Slater’s soundtrack of hustle, bustle and industrial noises combined with Daniella Beattie’s lighting design sets the tone. This is alongside the drapes around the audience with projections of terraced streets.
The titular Phoebe is a ray of youthful optimism (‘daughter of the sun’) and naivety raging against the path she feels compelled on, marriage, family and becoming like her mother or aunt who lives next door. She has the urge to leave her surroundings and make a new life for herself, being dragged back at every opportunity.
Isabella Rossi plays the free spirited Phoebe really well, capturing her exuberance, as well as her inner torment and frustration to try and break out what she believes is her inevitable fate. It was a thoroughly genuine and affectionate portrayal of the character.
Staffordshire actors Alasdair Baker and Laura Costello play her parents’ Sammy and Nellie. Sammy more pre-occupied with his pigs than the family and when he does pay them attention it is usually to lash out at Phoebe. Nellie is a gentle character, living in the shadow of Sammy, forever on the back foot due to her own circumstances leading to her marriage to him. Both actors gave great performances and worked well together on stage as the tensions rose.
Elliot Goodhill plays Arnold Winkle, his portrayal of the besotted fiancee of Phoebe and his desperation of his characters’ chase for her affections was excellent. His love rival Gerry Dewsnap was played by Perry Moore (returning back following the Christmas production of The Three Musketeers), who carried off the role of the spiv-like butcher expertly.
Nellie’s sister Elsie was played by Tracey Ann Wood. Injecting elements of humour as the all seeing neighbour (the walls are thin you know!). Andrew Pollard also provides a comedic element as fame-searching local, Cyril Pepper, determined to catapult himself to stardom and giving Phoebe a small glimmer of hope of being his assistant.
Erika Poole plays Arnold’s mother Mrs. Winkle well. Inserting herself at every opportunity into her son’s business and meddling to push Phoebe and Arnold together (albeit well intended). Matthew David Jones, another local talent, completes the lineup as window cleaner Tommy Frizzell.
Berry’s final work is presented here fantastically by Abbey Wright. It has laughter, intrigue, drama, grit and a twist that comes out of nowhere.
The show runs until 21st June with several matinee performances. Tickets are available from the box office, or online here: https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/productions/whatever-happened-to-phoebe-salt/
