SALAD DAYS by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade
Venue: Richmond 1995
Director: Ned Sherrin
Venue: Richmond 1995
Director: Ned Sherrin
| Timothy and Jane graduate from university and face an uncertain future. They could get married, but how can they make a living? A chance meeting with a tramp changes their lives and the lives of everyone around them for ever. What are the magical powers of the tramp's piano and why do its listeners have an inexplicable desire to dance? | |
| Cast | |
| Don Father Uncle Clam Theatregoer Manager Press Ambrose Uncle Zed |
Kit Hesketh-Harvey |
| Troppo | Richard Sisson |
| Don Mother Heloise Sunbather Theatregoer Asphynxia Anthea |
Rosie Ashe |
| Don Lady Raeburn Artist Arms Dancer Marguerite |
Gay Soper |
| Don Butterfly Collector Inspector Augustine Williams |
Barry James |
| Timothy | Simon Connolly |
| Jane | Nicola Fulljames |
| Tramp Bishop American Press Tom Smith |
David Morton |
| Rowena Don Aunt Prue Manicurist Waitress |
Sarah Mortimer |
| Boot Don Slave Electrode |
Gary Fairhall |
| Nigel Don Fosdyke |
Edward Baker-Daly |
| Fiona Don Assistant Tennis player Shop girl |
Diane V Parrott |
| Arms Dancer Ensemble |
Andrew Norris |
| Ensemble | Emma Flett |
Reviewed at Guildford
Magical and charming, Salad Days will never fade as director Ned Sherrin doubtlessly knew when he gave the 40th anniversary national tour an exhilarating production at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre. Although light and frivolous this Reynolds and Slade masterpiece calls for highly artistic treatment. Comedy, pathos, stylistic choreography, animated characterisations, lively singing and movement and good ensemble work must all be spot on. And with Sherrin's direction they are. As soon as the band, directed by Stuart Hutchinson, strikes up you want to dance. Nicola Fulljames is superb as Jane. Her vitality and high spirits never flag in a splendid song and dance act backed by a charming characterisation. Simon Connolly partners her as the affable and studious Timothy in a delightful portrayal of the young graduate. Kit Hesketh-Harvey covers eight roles and the major two - Ambrose and Uncle Zed - are marvellous characterisations. David Morton dances the prancing bishop to perfection. Gary Fairhall is a most comical Boot and Electrode and Diane V Parrott and Edward Baker-Daly work well as Fiona and Nigel. Richard Sisson brings pathos to Troppo and a variety of other roles are all splendidly played by Rosie Ashe, Gay Soper, Barry James, Sarah Mortimer, Andrew Norris and Emma Flett.