Teechers

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and pay tribute to everyone involved in this production. Theatre at this level should ideally be a combination of hard work and fun and there was plenty of both in evidence from the audition through to the last night. I feel privileged to have been able to put on such a wonderful play about a subject close to my heart and to have worked with such a terrific team of people.

Firstly I have to say that I honestly think I could not have wished for a better cast. Loraine Worrall's performance was absolutely outstanding, deserving of a far wider audience. Her portrayal of; among others, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Parry, Oggy Moxon and Simon Patterson will live long in the memory.
Anna Whitney was quite a discovery. Her vitality and versatility made her a delight to work with. She played so many small roles that you would lose count trying to think of them all, each one immensely believable, but I thought her main character, Gail Saunders, was a particularly strong and likeable portrayal.
Ben Cornell's performance was quite remarkable for one so young. It is not easy playing the only straight part in a play overflowing with comic creations; Ben is particularly good at character parts, but his portrayal of the straight, laid-back Jeff Nixon was exactly what I wanted, entirely credible despite his youthfulness. I must also pay tribute to his great flexibility (in more ways than one!) in the hilarious Ninja scene which, in the script, incidentally, is only described, not acted out.

I would also like to mention two individuals who were virtually like additional members of the cast. Philip Preston on Sound and Simon Rosser on Lights did a fantastic job and I would be amazed if either of them ever comes across another play in which they have more to do than they had in this one. They performed a vital role in creating the atmosphere for each scene and in moving the play seamlessly on from one scene to the next, and did so with great skill and assurance.

Many thanks also to Marian and Wendy for their help with props and their sterling work backstage every night, also to Stella for costume and organising FOH, Gordon for the destructible chair, Michael for Box Office and everyone else who helped to make this production such a success. Finally, thank you to all those who made up the audiences each night and responded so warmly both during and after the performances. I was there most nights (I never grew tired of watching this play!), and will always remember the 'buzz' of appreciation and the many kind words which were expressed after each performance.

Tony Hearn

And now - the play. We thought it a terrific production and enjoyed it very much. It was extremely funny and so true to life. I 'recognised' everyone - I really did. Being a 'teecher' too oh dear. How they made us laugh.

Three very talented performers - Loraine of course we've seen before - that magnificent voice and ability to create characters. Her eyes managed to glitter even more when playing Mr Basford - and yes - I've known one of those.

Anna - striking a new find - a very able performer creating a wide range of characters. We, too, hope she will return to the stage of ROADS in the not too distant future.

Young Ben - another gifted actor. When he was a young character he looked young. When he played an older character he looked older all in the twinkling of an eye so to speak. How did he do it?

They were all truly brilliant and gave us a wonderful evening's entertainment. I hope every seat was filled.

Ross people must know what a treasure they have in their little theatre and should support it whatever the play.

We try desperately to come to every performance - only illness and atrocious weather prevents us.

Many thanks to all - Tony for his clever direction and all backstage helpers too.

ANN MORT
NORTHFIELD, BIRMINGHAM