REVIEW
Southend Shakespeare Company presents
LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN
By Oscar Wilde
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre
23rd April – 27th April 2024
Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat at 7.45pm Sat Mat 3.00pm
£16.00 / Concs. £1.50 off
The SSC are back in action in in April with a classic from the pen of Oscar Wilde
Southend Shakespeare Company presents
LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN
By Oscar Wilde
Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre
23rd April – 27th April 2024
Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat at 7.45pm Sat Mat 3.00pm
£16.00 / Concs. £1.50 off
The SSC are back in action in in April with a classic from the pen of Oscar Wilde
For the second play in the Dixon Studio this spring, Southend Shakespeare Company turns it’s attention back to the classics, with a sumptuous production of Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde. On entering the Dixon, we see the impressive drawing room where the Lady of the title receives her guests. The set by James and Madelaine Carter features an inviting outdoor terrace to the right as well as rich looking furnishings within. The atmosphere of a wealthy London residence is captured well.
The play requires a huge cast too, and the company has clearly worked hard to fill all the roles with acting members familiar and new. Madeleine Ayres has also achieved wonders with her costume budget too. The gentlemen are all immaculately tailored, whilst the ladies gowns are nothing short of spectacular. They are also, without exception, voluminous in size. One can only wonder how, in the party scenes, no one one actually collides with each other. The stage area is literally full of people gliding on and off. This is a real feat by director Cathy Memery and her assistant director, Sandra Smith, that the small stage area ( restricted even further by extra rows of seating at the front to accommodate a packed house ) never actually seems cluttered.
Carefully choreographed scene changes, in dim lighting add to the impressive visuals in this production.
Lady Windermere’s Fan was Oscar Wilde’s first big hit play in 1892. It is classed as a ‘Comedy’ but given the twists and turns in the plot, it surprises me that Wilde didn’t call it a melodrama.
Wilde lays bare the hypocrisy and superficiality of upper class society, and poses the moral dilemma of what is considered to be a ‘good’ person, or in this case, woman.
In the opening scene, Lady Windermere is entertaining her handsome admirer Lord Darlington. He hints that her husband of only two years has been seen frequently entering the house of a Mrs Erlynne. In fact, London society is alive with speculation, but Lady W is secure in her husband’s devotion, and goes on to repel Lord Darlington for his excessive complimenting of her in public, as this is causing her embarrassment. They can never be any more than friends. She is a good woman, and would never herself forgive infidelity. In fact, she could never forgive, or redeem anyone who had previously transgressed and wanted to be redeemed. On this dilemma hangs the plot. Lady Windermere will of course, later on come to a very different conclusion.
In the title role, Katie Bysouth is convincing as the pious Lady Windermere. After a nervous start, her confidence grew impressively through the first night performance. Her voice could possibly benefit by a few more decibels, and a little more dynamic range. In the soliloquies, which are difficult to pull off, as they are not exactly directed at the audience but we are being let in to their inner thoughts, Katie’s voice tended to drop to a whisper which was at times difficult to hear.
Elliot Bigden gives Lord Darlington the requisite dashing glamour required for the handsome, eligible Victorian bachelor. This actor is completely at home in this period, and has a great time with the Wildean wit in the dialogue. Meanwhile, as her actual husband, Jack Byrne gives a very different performance, far more modest and sincere in his desire to protect his wife from a secret which brings them both to the point of ruin. Whilst he is clearly a good few years too young for the role, he nevertheless knows how to act older. He is an actor of great promise. I did find myself wondering whether these two fine young actors could maybe have switched roles. It may have been more convincing the other way around.
Mrs Erlynne the scarlet woman, around whom the entire play revolves, is one of the great Wilde roles. An experienced, charismatic actor is needed to play her. Stalwart SSC member Joanne Seymour adds another impressive performance here. Dressed head to toe in vivid red, she is by turns warm, funny, ruthless and tough. Joanne gives a great performance here. You can see why she has all the men in the play wrapped around her little finger.
Elsewhere, Wilde offers some great opportunities for the supporting cast. The society ladies have great fun, in particular Vanessa Osborn as the Duchess of Berwick, whose poor hapless daughter, Agatha, is never allowed to say more than, “Yes, Mama!” Edith Osborn-Culf completes a very funny double act here, hinting that the worm will turn one day.
The men in the cast also get their chance to shine, especially in the Act 2 scene when they return to Lord Darlington’s rooms a little earlier than expected. They all have great fun with those famous Wildean epithets which abound in this scene, and are as funny as ever. Aston Line makes a winning SSC debut as Cecil Graham. He is very relaxed on stage, although maybe his accent is a little too BBC Radio circa 1930s at times. It’s not difficult to overdo these things.
All in all, this is a most enjoyable evening. Maybe the visuals are at times more successful than the voice work, which is so tricky after all. However, this play is rarely performed nowadays, as it’s an expensive one to stage, so don’t miss your chance to see it, if you can get a ticket. The run, which plays until Saturday, is almost sold out.
Review by Andrew Walters
The play requires a huge cast too, and the company has clearly worked hard to fill all the roles with acting members familiar and new. Madeleine Ayres has also achieved wonders with her costume budget too. The gentlemen are all immaculately tailored, whilst the ladies gowns are nothing short of spectacular. They are also, without exception, voluminous in size. One can only wonder how, in the party scenes, no one one actually collides with each other. The stage area is literally full of people gliding on and off. This is a real feat by director Cathy Memery and her assistant director, Sandra Smith, that the small stage area ( restricted even further by extra rows of seating at the front to accommodate a packed house ) never actually seems cluttered.
Carefully choreographed scene changes, in dim lighting add to the impressive visuals in this production.
Lady Windermere’s Fan was Oscar Wilde’s first big hit play in 1892. It is classed as a ‘Comedy’ but given the twists and turns in the plot, it surprises me that Wilde didn’t call it a melodrama.
Wilde lays bare the hypocrisy and superficiality of upper class society, and poses the moral dilemma of what is considered to be a ‘good’ person, or in this case, woman.
In the opening scene, Lady Windermere is entertaining her handsome admirer Lord Darlington. He hints that her husband of only two years has been seen frequently entering the house of a Mrs Erlynne. In fact, London society is alive with speculation, but Lady W is secure in her husband’s devotion, and goes on to repel Lord Darlington for his excessive complimenting of her in public, as this is causing her embarrassment. They can never be any more than friends. She is a good woman, and would never herself forgive infidelity. In fact, she could never forgive, or redeem anyone who had previously transgressed and wanted to be redeemed. On this dilemma hangs the plot. Lady Windermere will of course, later on come to a very different conclusion.
In the title role, Katie Bysouth is convincing as the pious Lady Windermere. After a nervous start, her confidence grew impressively through the first night performance. Her voice could possibly benefit by a few more decibels, and a little more dynamic range. In the soliloquies, which are difficult to pull off, as they are not exactly directed at the audience but we are being let in to their inner thoughts, Katie’s voice tended to drop to a whisper which was at times difficult to hear.
Elliot Bigden gives Lord Darlington the requisite dashing glamour required for the handsome, eligible Victorian bachelor. This actor is completely at home in this period, and has a great time with the Wildean wit in the dialogue. Meanwhile, as her actual husband, Jack Byrne gives a very different performance, far more modest and sincere in his desire to protect his wife from a secret which brings them both to the point of ruin. Whilst he is clearly a good few years too young for the role, he nevertheless knows how to act older. He is an actor of great promise. I did find myself wondering whether these two fine young actors could maybe have switched roles. It may have been more convincing the other way around.
Mrs Erlynne the scarlet woman, around whom the entire play revolves, is one of the great Wilde roles. An experienced, charismatic actor is needed to play her. Stalwart SSC member Joanne Seymour adds another impressive performance here. Dressed head to toe in vivid red, she is by turns warm, funny, ruthless and tough. Joanne gives a great performance here. You can see why she has all the men in the play wrapped around her little finger.
Elsewhere, Wilde offers some great opportunities for the supporting cast. The society ladies have great fun, in particular Vanessa Osborn as the Duchess of Berwick, whose poor hapless daughter, Agatha, is never allowed to say more than, “Yes, Mama!” Edith Osborn-Culf completes a very funny double act here, hinting that the worm will turn one day.
The men in the cast also get their chance to shine, especially in the Act 2 scene when they return to Lord Darlington’s rooms a little earlier than expected. They all have great fun with those famous Wildean epithets which abound in this scene, and are as funny as ever. Aston Line makes a winning SSC debut as Cecil Graham. He is very relaxed on stage, although maybe his accent is a little too BBC Radio circa 1930s at times. It’s not difficult to overdo these things.
All in all, this is a most enjoyable evening. Maybe the visuals are at times more successful than the voice work, which is so tricky after all. However, this play is rarely performed nowadays, as it’s an expensive one to stage, so don’t miss your chance to see it, if you can get a ticket. The run, which plays until Saturday, is almost sold out.
Review by Andrew Walters
Upright, rigid, and very nearly Puritan, Lady Windermere has high expectations about how people ought to behave. Imagine her horror when she is confronted with evidence that her husband is having an illicit affair. Several revelations later we realise that you cannot truly judge a person based on gossip and scandal. While it explores human nature and the restrictions placed on women in high society, Lady Windermere's Fan also contains some of Wilde's most beautiful and celebrated lines.
For more information about the SSC visit SSC's website at
southendshakespeare.org.uk
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For more information about the SSC visit SSC's website at
southendshakespeare.org.uk
CURTAIN CALL with Jo Seymour, from Shoeburyness, who plays Mrs Erlynne
When did you start to take an interest in theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?
I have loved acting and theatre for as long as I can remember. I was involved in school productions, and then studied drama at the old Southend Tech.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
My mum and dad had no interest or involvement in drama, although they were always very supportive. Mum paid for me to attend Ridley Studios as a teenager, which must have been a real struggle for her. That improved my confidence so much.
Have you done any sort of formal training for acting/singing/dancing?
I studied Acting and Musical Theatre at Mountview Theatre School for 3 years. Loved it.
Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?
I wish! I can sing. I must work on that stilt walking....
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your amdram career to date?
I have had the good fortune to play some wonderful roles, all of which I cherish.
Highlights would be Judith Bliss (Hayfever), Lady Macbeth, June Buckridge (The Killing of Sister George), and of-course the fabulous Mrs Erlynne in ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’.
What has been your most embarrassing moment involving drama, on or off stage?
I was once playing a scene wearing tights, but no shoes. I literally skedaddled the full width of the stage ending in an unceremonious heap. I got up, dusted myself off and pretended it hadn’t happened.
How do you earn your living?
I work part-time for the Registration Service, so have the privilege of conducting weddings.
I also work as a professional Actor, when the opportunity arises!
Following on from the previous question, has your theatre career ever been useful in your day job, and/or have you ever drawn on your day job for any of your stage activities?
My skills have always been a help in my day job. Obviously, they help me when conducting weddings.
Are your friends mostly involved in theatre - perhaps even working with you on a regular basis - or do you socialise across a wider circle?
I have some wonderful friends within Southend Shakespeare Company. I am quite shy and they were welcoming from the beginning. A great group of talented people. I have close friends from my teenage years, and friends from Mountview who I have stayed very close to. Also lovely friends from jobs past and present.
Which actor do you most admire and why?
Kristin Scott-Thomas. I have seen her in theatre a couple of times, and she is compelling.
I saw Danny Devito in Neil Simon’s ‘The Sunshine Boys’ some years ago. He was incredible. I have never seen anyone with so much charisma on stage.
What role would you most like to play and why?
Anything that anyone wants to offer me! Gertude in Hamlet is an ambition.
Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?
Not yet…
Tell us a bit about "Lady Windermere’s Fan."
It is a truly wonderful play – witty but very moving. It holds some of Wilde’s most famous lines such as ‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.’
I hope that we get full houses as it really is a play worth seeing.
Any plans for the future, after "Lady Windermere’s Fan”?
I plan to audition for some of the plays coming up in the Southend Shakepseare season.
I would also like to direct again next year. I would love to be in a musical again too, so we will see what opportunities come along.
Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to others involved in drama?
Work, work ,work. There are no shortcuts. Enjoy the work.
I have loved acting and theatre for as long as I can remember. I was involved in school productions, and then studied drama at the old Southend Tech.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
My mum and dad had no interest or involvement in drama, although they were always very supportive. Mum paid for me to attend Ridley Studios as a teenager, which must have been a real struggle for her. That improved my confidence so much.
Have you done any sort of formal training for acting/singing/dancing?
I studied Acting and Musical Theatre at Mountview Theatre School for 3 years. Loved it.
Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?
I wish! I can sing. I must work on that stilt walking....
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your amdram career to date?
I have had the good fortune to play some wonderful roles, all of which I cherish.
Highlights would be Judith Bliss (Hayfever), Lady Macbeth, June Buckridge (The Killing of Sister George), and of-course the fabulous Mrs Erlynne in ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’.
What has been your most embarrassing moment involving drama, on or off stage?
I was once playing a scene wearing tights, but no shoes. I literally skedaddled the full width of the stage ending in an unceremonious heap. I got up, dusted myself off and pretended it hadn’t happened.
How do you earn your living?
I work part-time for the Registration Service, so have the privilege of conducting weddings.
I also work as a professional Actor, when the opportunity arises!
Following on from the previous question, has your theatre career ever been useful in your day job, and/or have you ever drawn on your day job for any of your stage activities?
My skills have always been a help in my day job. Obviously, they help me when conducting weddings.
Are your friends mostly involved in theatre - perhaps even working with you on a regular basis - or do you socialise across a wider circle?
I have some wonderful friends within Southend Shakespeare Company. I am quite shy and they were welcoming from the beginning. A great group of talented people. I have close friends from my teenage years, and friends from Mountview who I have stayed very close to. Also lovely friends from jobs past and present.
Which actor do you most admire and why?
Kristin Scott-Thomas. I have seen her in theatre a couple of times, and she is compelling.
I saw Danny Devito in Neil Simon’s ‘The Sunshine Boys’ some years ago. He was incredible. I have never seen anyone with so much charisma on stage.
What role would you most like to play and why?
Anything that anyone wants to offer me! Gertude in Hamlet is an ambition.
Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?
Not yet…
Tell us a bit about "Lady Windermere’s Fan."
It is a truly wonderful play – witty but very moving. It holds some of Wilde’s most famous lines such as ‘We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.’
I hope that we get full houses as it really is a play worth seeing.
Any plans for the future, after "Lady Windermere’s Fan”?
I plan to audition for some of the plays coming up in the Southend Shakepseare season.
I would also like to direct again next year. I would love to be in a musical again too, so we will see what opportunities come along.
Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to others involved in drama?
Work, work ,work. There are no shortcuts. Enjoy the work.
In rehearsal....
Cast
Lady Windermere- Katie Bysouth
Mrs Erlynne- Joanne Seymour
Lord Windermere- Jack Byrne
Lord Darlington- Elliot Bigden
Duchess of Berwick- Vanessa Osborn
Lord Augustus Lorton- Andrew Sugden
Cecil Graham- Aston Line
Dumby- James Carter
Lady Plymdale- Carrie Groves
Lady Agatha Carlisle- Edith Osborn-Culf
Mr James Hopper- Alex Severne
Lady Stutfield- Elena Clements
Mrs Cowper-Cowper- Megan Condon
Lady Jedburgh- Madeleine Ayres-Carter
Parker- Ian Hart
Rosalie- Megan Condon
Backstage
Director- Cathy McAdam
Assistant Directors- Sandra Smith
Liam Bailey
Stage Manager- Tracey-Anne Bourne
Assistant Stage Manager- Julie Carter
Backstage Crew- Matthew Willis
Business Manager - James Carter
Costume - Madeleine Ayres
Set Design- James Carter & Madeleine Carter
Lighting Design – Richard Foster
Light and Sound Operator - Parker-Jace Martin
Lady Windermere- Katie Bysouth
Mrs Erlynne- Joanne Seymour
Lord Windermere- Jack Byrne
Lord Darlington- Elliot Bigden
Duchess of Berwick- Vanessa Osborn
Lord Augustus Lorton- Andrew Sugden
Cecil Graham- Aston Line
Dumby- James Carter
Lady Plymdale- Carrie Groves
Lady Agatha Carlisle- Edith Osborn-Culf
Mr James Hopper- Alex Severne
Lady Stutfield- Elena Clements
Mrs Cowper-Cowper- Megan Condon
Lady Jedburgh- Madeleine Ayres-Carter
Parker- Ian Hart
Rosalie- Megan Condon
Backstage
Director- Cathy McAdam
Assistant Directors- Sandra Smith
Liam Bailey
Stage Manager- Tracey-Anne Bourne
Assistant Stage Manager- Julie Carter
Backstage Crew- Matthew Willis
Business Manager - James Carter
Costume - Madeleine Ayres
Set Design- James Carter & Madeleine Carter
Lighting Design – Richard Foster
Light and Sound Operator - Parker-Jace Martin