9:42am Wednesday 10th March 2010
MADE famous by the film starring Michael Caine it is always interesting to see what an actor will bring to the role.
Alfie was well directed by Bernadette Tildesley and Susan Deaney. Adam Hurst was superb in the role, word perfect and offering a cocky self assured persona.
Lucy Hardy gave a very convincing performance as Gilda and Peter Sawyer was appealing as Humphrey the man in love with Gilda. June Garland as the doctor was impressive.
Andrew Clamp as Harry Clamacraft demonstrated a poignancy in his role of Joe the man in the Sanatorium and his wife Lily skilfully played by Hilary Carter brought great drama to her role of the cuckolding wife using her emotions in the abortion scene to the full eliciting sympathy from the audience. Penny Harper gave a fine performance as the unworldly Annie picked up and seduced by Alfie and dropped when she became too clingy.
Nick Wilkes was first rate as Lofty the lorry driver with Jude Rogers as a superb Ruby the older woman elegantly and seductively clad who took Alfie’s fancy.
A special accolade must go to Mark Williams as Mr Smith, a sinister character offering a chilling and disturbing performance.
The many scene changes were efficiently created with furniture and props. The costumes were first rate, authentic and evocative of the period and the professional lighting enhanced the scenes. The 60s music running throughout was extremely well chosen.
This production was a credit to the Thame Players.
By Rita Carpenter
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