Press - Roses of Eyam

Preview

A moving performance

By Mike Allen

The true story of a village stricken by the plague through the arrival from London of a box of clothing is being told within the atmospheric setting of a 12th century church and its surroundings this week.

Dynamo Youth Theatre will perform Don Taylor's play, The Roses of Eyam, in promenade style in and around St Faith's Church, Havant. The audience will walk from scene to scene, encountering the villagers' determination under the persuasion of present and former rectors to prevent the spread of the disease by remaining within the village - at the certain risk of their own lives.

The Dynamo cast is aged 11-18.

The Dynamo Youth Theatre presented a promenade production of "Roses of Eyam" by Don Taylor in St Faith's Church and Churchyard from 10^th to 14^th July.  With a cast of over 50, a crew of 30 as well as support by the committee and parents, the director, Andrew Bowker achieved the impossible dream: a three-hour performance by teenagers which enthralled and moved those privileged to be present.

The acting was totally focussed with the lines delivered clearly and convincingly.  The audience could see well because of a new stage and raised acting areas in various parts of the church and grounds.  Additional lighting and carefully chosen music enhanced the experience.  The costumes were imaginatively made to reflect not only the 17^th century but also the various families represented.

Audience movement was sensitively handled by the victims of the plague, assisted by the stewards, which added atmosphere to the overall performance.

The contrast in the life of the village before and after the arrival of the box of plague-carrying cloth was clearly demonstrated.  The audience felt drawn into the dilemma of the remaining villagers and the main characters did not spare themselves in sharing their feelings.

Although the play presented a challenge to all concerned, the success of the venture vindicated all the hard work which must have gone into the preparation of such an ambitious production.

The idea to use the church and grounds, situated in the town centre, was brilliantly conceived and, with the new platforms, could pave the way to further worthwhile projects.

Geoff Porter

Many people were very complimentary:-

My wife and I were stunned by the production last night. We were enthralled and moved by the wonderful acting of the talented young people. What a brilliant experience for all who took part. The organisation was incredible and all credit to Andrew and his helpers. We shall never forget it.

A sincere thank you to all concerned. Keep up the good work.

Best wishes,

Geoff. & Marion Porter.

Dear Andrew,

Margaret and I would like to again send you our warmest congratulations for a stunning evening.

The acting was without doubt some of the best and most emotional that we have seen in Dynamo's long and distinguished history. From the leads to the smaller parts, all were carried out with total conviction and belief in the character. The scene changes were beautifully and subtly carried out and added enormously to the theatrical experience and the beauty of the church was emphasised by the highly imaginative yet simple staging and lighting and the music was glorious and added so much to the drama and emotion of the play.

I hope the rain keeps away and yet even that cannot dampen the amazing experience that the audiences will have during the run.

Thanks and congratulations to you all.

Frank Hunwick.

Congratulations to all involved with the Dynamo Youth Theatre. You all rose to the magnificent challenge of a morality play in St Faiths Church and succeeded. It was lovely to see the imaginative use of space and the standard of acting was great.

Best Wishes

Sheilah Legg

Dear Andrew and DYT

I just wanted to write to you while Roses of Eyam was still fresh in my mind.

What a show … what a team… what a challenge!!

Site specific performances are special no matter where they are but St Faiths church provided the most beautiful, evocative and emotional setting for the play. I believe, this challenge, although I'm sure a logistical nightmare and at times seeming unreachable, has stretched everyone to their limits in terms of design, technical restrictions, direction and acting and in doing so, I think has brought out the best in everyone.

Staging and Lighting were simple in design but hugely effective. The movement of the play used the space to its maximum, creating special moments throughout, and the quality of the acting and commitment of all of the actors was lifted due to the atmosphere of the setting and, I know it goes without saying, extreme hard work.

A truly unique event, full of special moments that you and your audience should keep forever.

Remember this one….

Detta

Dear Mr Bowker

Having visited Eyam in Derbyshire a couple of years ago, I took Annie to see the Roses of Eyam on Saturday night.

I just wanted to drop you a line to say how much we both enjoyed it; the setting was perfect as the backdrop to such a tragic tale; the acting was outstanding and the ending was stunning. It took me a few moments to work out that there were more ghosts than we had seen in the play… a brilliant way to finish - I haven't been to a performance that moved me so much in a long time. Annie thought it was incredible too.

So … just a huge 'well done!'

Yours sincerely,

Tracy Cooper

Dear Producer & Cast of Roses of Eyam,

My husband and I watched the Thursday production of your play at St Faith's Church, Havant. With us were our two visitors from Australia. We'd like to thank you all for a wonderful evening - we all loved it!

A great production with so many clever touches to keep the action alive (or dead!). Particularly we thought the clever 'curtain call' with the dead walking through the rest of the cast was so clever. As you can imagine, the venue was so exciting for the Australians - atmosphere galore - it was great.

We thank you and wish you well in all future productions.

C. Treagust (Mrs)

Farlington.