Theatre Diary by Phyl Romeril for Guardian & Gazette Series, July 27, 1995

Essex takes on the Character of the Cotswolds

Wadham Players – Cider With Rosie - Willow Cottage

Wadham Players, based in Walthamstow, have staged a wide range of entertainment over seven years since they were formed. In their first appearance as a group at Willow Cottage they were impressive in James Roose-Evans' adaptation of Cider with Rosie.

If translated extremely well to the open-air arena, reflecting the atmosphere of a secluded Cotswold village, the background to the nostalgic childhood memories of Laurie Lee.

Keith Cummings (Laurie Lee) narrated brilliantly, communicating with this audience clearly and interestingly.

Jill Atkins played his mother who had an enormous task to perform in bringing up a large family in poor circumstances. Jill occasionally lost out on projection but never escaped from the character she had to portray.

Most impressive was the band of young people, who did their director Michael Michael proud.

Danny Macbeth gave an impeccable interpretation of Laurie Lee as a young boy and the other youngsters - brothers, sisters, friends, too numerous to mention individually - were all excellent in their support. There was both animation and naturalness in their actions.

During Laurie Lee's nostalgic meandering we saw several nice little cameos from Elaine Elliott, Ann Housden, Bob Pamplin, Bob Gray, Lucy Elliott and Amanda Cummings. We were always conscious of the affection of mother and children and the sense of comedy also came across with sensitivity.

The addition of microphones helped audibility always a problem at this venue. An effective snowfall added further credence to the narration and the musical arrangement by musical director David Reed was inspirational and most appropriate to the rural setting. Peter Abery was responsible for lighting and sound.