REVIEW
Southend Shakespeare Company presents
THE LIAR
by Carlo Goldoni
Southend Shakespeare Company presents
THE LIAR
by Carlo Goldoni
Open Air Production- Belfair’s Woodland Centre, Leigh on Sea, Essex
This hilarious production is a riot
Summer has come for a few minutes. What can be better than sitting in the sunshine with a picnic and watching a gloriously funny open-air play? Southend Shakespeare’s production of Goldoni’s The Liar is a joy from start to finish.
The play, The Liar, first staged in 1750–51 draws on the commedia dell’arte characters but has been updated and modernised. Who knew there was a Baron of Billericay, or a Viscount of Vange? There are even a Kate of Canvey Island and a Duke of Basildon or is it a Baron?
The story revolves around Lelio (Elliot Bigden) who has his eye on two young ladies, Rose and Beatrice. However, he can’t remember which one is which. Meanwhile, they also have other admirers Florindo and Ottavio. Florindo (Parker – Jace Martin) is shy, so sends anonymous presents and poems to Rose (Maddie Spink). This allows Lelio to concoct fabulous lies to convince Rose that he wishes to marry her. Ottavio (Matt Willis) can’t make his mind up if he wants Beatrice (Amelie Wright) or not. Meanwhile, Lelio's servant Arlechino played in this performance by Liam Bailey, who also directed the play, is trying to woo the Doctor's servant Columbina (Vanessa Osborn). Trying to make sense of it all he has many asides about his master’s lies. Confused you will be!
In a highly energised performance, Elliot Bigden is in his element roaring around, working the audience making up lies or as he calls it, ‘witty inventions.’ He drives the play along, with everyone else keeping pace. Lelio’s lies are caught out when his father Pantalone (Andrew Sugden) turns up. To escape marrying the girl of his father’s choice he pretends he’s married already. Thus, he shoots himself in the foot, as Rose’s mother then refuses his offer of marriage for her daughter. The mother, Amanda Whiteford, is trying to keep her head when all around are losing theirs, and is the only voice of sanity.
When Lelio finds that Rose is the very girl his father had in mind, he has to bend over backwards literarily to unravel all his tall tales with more lies. Elliot’s performance involves repartee with the audience and some great ad libbing. There are also some very funny fight scenes between Lelio and Ottavio and also some slapped faces and bottoms.
Glen Lewis, and his backing group, the Carter family, not the famous ones, this is Jim and his sister Julie, keep the audience musically entertained. The pop songs have everyone toe tapping and singing along, particularly for the beauty parade of Pretty Woman. There is also a musical interlude in the interval.
The whole production is great fun, with an ensemble of SSC stalwarts. Malcolm Toll, Mike Clements, Sandra Smith and Julie Carter are very odd waiters who spill more wine than they serve and who often hit the floor in the melee. Jim Carter, as an irate taxi driver and a fan seller on the make, Madeleine Ayres, helps them out.
The women in their brightly coloured summer dresses and the men in jazzy waistcoats make the whole production an uplifting experience. Forget about football and elections, come and have a good laugh.
Review: Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
The play continues at:-
Sunday 1st July – Southchurch Hall 3pm
Saturday 6th July The Village Hall Field, High Easter 7,30pm
Sunday 7th July Essex Wild Life Trust , Thameside Nature Discovery Park, 3.00pm
10th – 13th July , Leigh Library Garden, 7.30pm
Tickets bought on the door Adults £10 Children £5
Bring your own seating.
The play, The Liar, first staged in 1750–51 draws on the commedia dell’arte characters but has been updated and modernised. Who knew there was a Baron of Billericay, or a Viscount of Vange? There are even a Kate of Canvey Island and a Duke of Basildon or is it a Baron?
The story revolves around Lelio (Elliot Bigden) who has his eye on two young ladies, Rose and Beatrice. However, he can’t remember which one is which. Meanwhile, they also have other admirers Florindo and Ottavio. Florindo (Parker – Jace Martin) is shy, so sends anonymous presents and poems to Rose (Maddie Spink). This allows Lelio to concoct fabulous lies to convince Rose that he wishes to marry her. Ottavio (Matt Willis) can’t make his mind up if he wants Beatrice (Amelie Wright) or not. Meanwhile, Lelio's servant Arlechino played in this performance by Liam Bailey, who also directed the play, is trying to woo the Doctor's servant Columbina (Vanessa Osborn). Trying to make sense of it all he has many asides about his master’s lies. Confused you will be!
In a highly energised performance, Elliot Bigden is in his element roaring around, working the audience making up lies or as he calls it, ‘witty inventions.’ He drives the play along, with everyone else keeping pace. Lelio’s lies are caught out when his father Pantalone (Andrew Sugden) turns up. To escape marrying the girl of his father’s choice he pretends he’s married already. Thus, he shoots himself in the foot, as Rose’s mother then refuses his offer of marriage for her daughter. The mother, Amanda Whiteford, is trying to keep her head when all around are losing theirs, and is the only voice of sanity.
When Lelio finds that Rose is the very girl his father had in mind, he has to bend over backwards literarily to unravel all his tall tales with more lies. Elliot’s performance involves repartee with the audience and some great ad libbing. There are also some very funny fight scenes between Lelio and Ottavio and also some slapped faces and bottoms.
Glen Lewis, and his backing group, the Carter family, not the famous ones, this is Jim and his sister Julie, keep the audience musically entertained. The pop songs have everyone toe tapping and singing along, particularly for the beauty parade of Pretty Woman. There is also a musical interlude in the interval.
The whole production is great fun, with an ensemble of SSC stalwarts. Malcolm Toll, Mike Clements, Sandra Smith and Julie Carter are very odd waiters who spill more wine than they serve and who often hit the floor in the melee. Jim Carter, as an irate taxi driver and a fan seller on the make, Madeleine Ayres, helps them out.
The women in their brightly coloured summer dresses and the men in jazzy waistcoats make the whole production an uplifting experience. Forget about football and elections, come and have a good laugh.
Review: Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
The play continues at:-
Sunday 1st July – Southchurch Hall 3pm
Saturday 6th July The Village Hall Field, High Easter 7,30pm
Sunday 7th July Essex Wild Life Trust , Thameside Nature Discovery Park, 3.00pm
10th – 13th July , Leigh Library Garden, 7.30pm
Tickets bought on the door Adults £10 Children £5
Bring your own seating.
Once again, Southend Shakespeare Company leave their regular home of the Palace Theatre for their Open Air Theatre season, this year presenting the delightful comedy “The Liar.”
When Lelio visits his estranged father in the coastal spanish town of San Sierra on the Costa Cortina he causes mayhem by telling lie after lie. Join the SSC this summer for some classic commedia dell'arte and live music. Bring your chair and a cheeky rioja for a glorious summer spectacular - coming this June and July!
Tour Dates
Sat 29th June at 6.30pm - Essex Wildlife Trust, Belfairs Woodland Centre
Sun 30th June at 3.00pm - Southchurch Hall, Southend On Sea
Sat 6th July at 7.30pm – The Village Hall Field, High Easter
Sun 7th July at 3.00pm – Essex Wildlife Trust, Thameside Nature Adventure Park
Wed 10th, Thu 11th, Fri 12th, Sat 13th July at 7.30pm - Leigh Library Gardens, Leigh On Sea
Please note different start times at venues.
Tickets for all performances:- £10.00 Adults £5.00 Children
No advance booking required. Just pay in cash on the door.
Please bring your own seating. Look forward to seeing you soon!
Cast & Backstage Crew
Lelio - Elliot Bigden
Florindo - Parker Jace
Brighella - Simon Cannon
Ottavio - Matt Willis
Arlecchino – David Goodger/Liam Bailey
Pantalone - Andrew Sugden
Doctor - Amanda Whiteford
Columbina - Vanessa Osborn
Rose - Maddy Spink
Beatrice – Edith Osborn-Culf/Amelia Wright
Carlos – James Carter
Carmen - Madeleine Ayres
Juanita – Sandra Smith
Lupe - Julie Carter
Pepe – Malcolm Toll
Jose - Michael Clements
Backstage:
Director – Liam Bailey
Assistant Director- Julie Carter
Music – Glen Lewis
For more information about the SSC visit our website at
www.southendshakespeare.org.uk
Facebook
https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/8772568988/photos
Instagram
https://instagram.com/southendshakespearecompany?utm_medium=copy_link
When Lelio visits his estranged father in the coastal spanish town of San Sierra on the Costa Cortina he causes mayhem by telling lie after lie. Join the SSC this summer for some classic commedia dell'arte and live music. Bring your chair and a cheeky rioja for a glorious summer spectacular - coming this June and July!
Tour Dates
Sat 29th June at 6.30pm - Essex Wildlife Trust, Belfairs Woodland Centre
Sun 30th June at 3.00pm - Southchurch Hall, Southend On Sea
Sat 6th July at 7.30pm – The Village Hall Field, High Easter
Sun 7th July at 3.00pm – Essex Wildlife Trust, Thameside Nature Adventure Park
Wed 10th, Thu 11th, Fri 12th, Sat 13th July at 7.30pm - Leigh Library Gardens, Leigh On Sea
Please note different start times at venues.
Tickets for all performances:- £10.00 Adults £5.00 Children
No advance booking required. Just pay in cash on the door.
Please bring your own seating. Look forward to seeing you soon!
Cast & Backstage Crew
Lelio - Elliot Bigden
Florindo - Parker Jace
Brighella - Simon Cannon
Ottavio - Matt Willis
Arlecchino – David Goodger/Liam Bailey
Pantalone - Andrew Sugden
Doctor - Amanda Whiteford
Columbina - Vanessa Osborn
Rose - Maddy Spink
Beatrice – Edith Osborn-Culf/Amelia Wright
Carlos – James Carter
Carmen - Madeleine Ayres
Juanita – Sandra Smith
Lupe - Julie Carter
Pepe – Malcolm Toll
Jose - Michael Clements
Backstage:
Director – Liam Bailey
Assistant Director- Julie Carter
Music – Glen Lewis
For more information about the SSC visit our website at
www.southendshakespeare.org.uk
https://en-gb.facebook.com/groups/8772568988/photos
https://instagram.com/southendshakespearecompany?utm_medium=copy_link
Curtain Call with Matt Willis, 40, from Southend on Sea
When did you start to take an interest in theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?
Around the age of 13 when I took Drama as a GSCE option at secondary school. I quickly found that it was the one subject where I seemed to be graded well for having the most fun possible, although I never had the nerve to audition for any school production. This was remedied when I left school and joined local amateur dramatic group with my best friend, which has led to my long-term involvement and interest in both amateur drama and improv.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
I have relatives that enjoy watching theatre and live performances but, to date, I’m the only member of my family that has ever had an active involvement in performing.
Have you done any sort of formal training for acting/singing/dancing?
I have no formal training in any performing arts, although I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with some talented individuals whose experience I have benefited greatly from.
Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?
I wouldn’t call it a skill, but volume generally isn’t an issue for me.
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your amdram career to date?
When I was younger a good friend and mentor of mine cast me in the role of Billy Fisher in an amateur production of Billy Liar. It was my first non-comedy role and I enjoyed the challenge of portraying a somewhat complex individual around my own age, without being able to rely on the on comedic ‘over the top’ performing that, to this day, I tend to lean into.
What has been your most embarrassing moment involving drama, on or off stage?
There aren’t any that spring to mind. Inevitably things have gone wrong, either on stage or backstage, but I generally embrace these moments as part of the joy of live performance.
How do you earn your living?
As a Financial Crime Investigator for a UK banking group.
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?
There have been many instances over the years where my day job has required me to deliver content or information, be it around a table at a small team meeting or in front of a large group of stakeholders. A background in drama and performing has certainly given me the ability to do this confidently, clearly, and in an engaging way.
Are your friends mostly involved in theatre - perhaps even working with you on a regular basis - or do you socialize across a wider circle?
Most definitely. In fact, it’s safe to say that nearly all my friends are involved in theatre in some way – it’s one of the many great things about a hobby that attracts such a diverse and interesting set people.
Which actor do you most admire and why?
I’m a bit of Catherine Tate fan. More than once I’ve been pleasantly surprised by her versatility, both on screen and on stage.
What role would you most like to play and why?
I’d like the challenge of Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing. On the surface he appears to be the witty jack-the-lad character typical for the time, yet there’s deeper side to his nature that develops throughout the play. Also, just for fun: Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest!
Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?
All the time. My hope is that I just style it out!
Tell us a bit about "The Liar"
A colourful and modern take on Carlo Goldoni’s comedy, in which the central character becomes increasingly more tangled in their ‘witty inventions’ as the play progresses. This promises to be a well-received summer production and I look forward to seeing how our audiences enjoy this show.
Any plans for the future, after "Liar
I intend to further explore more backstage roles and have already put myself forward for stage crew for the SSC autumn production of Death of a Salesman. I’m also working with a group of close friends on the format for an Improv Show that we’re hoping to take to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.
Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to others involved in drama? This is a difficult one for me to answer as my general tactic is to simply “cram” them in! If I were to give any tip it would be not to do this!
Around the age of 13 when I took Drama as a GSCE option at secondary school. I quickly found that it was the one subject where I seemed to be graded well for having the most fun possible, although I never had the nerve to audition for any school production. This was remedied when I left school and joined local amateur dramatic group with my best friend, which has led to my long-term involvement and interest in both amateur drama and improv.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
I have relatives that enjoy watching theatre and live performances but, to date, I’m the only member of my family that has ever had an active involvement in performing.
Have you done any sort of formal training for acting/singing/dancing?
I have no formal training in any performing arts, although I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked with some talented individuals whose experience I have benefited greatly from.
Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?
I wouldn’t call it a skill, but volume generally isn’t an issue for me.
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your amdram career to date?
When I was younger a good friend and mentor of mine cast me in the role of Billy Fisher in an amateur production of Billy Liar. It was my first non-comedy role and I enjoyed the challenge of portraying a somewhat complex individual around my own age, without being able to rely on the on comedic ‘over the top’ performing that, to this day, I tend to lean into.
What has been your most embarrassing moment involving drama, on or off stage?
There aren’t any that spring to mind. Inevitably things have gone wrong, either on stage or backstage, but I generally embrace these moments as part of the joy of live performance.
How do you earn your living?
As a Financial Crime Investigator for a UK banking group.
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?
There have been many instances over the years where my day job has required me to deliver content or information, be it around a table at a small team meeting or in front of a large group of stakeholders. A background in drama and performing has certainly given me the ability to do this confidently, clearly, and in an engaging way.
Are your friends mostly involved in theatre - perhaps even working with you on a regular basis - or do you socialize across a wider circle?
Most definitely. In fact, it’s safe to say that nearly all my friends are involved in theatre in some way – it’s one of the many great things about a hobby that attracts such a diverse and interesting set people.
Which actor do you most admire and why?
I’m a bit of Catherine Tate fan. More than once I’ve been pleasantly surprised by her versatility, both on screen and on stage.
What role would you most like to play and why?
I’d like the challenge of Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing. On the surface he appears to be the witty jack-the-lad character typical for the time, yet there’s deeper side to his nature that develops throughout the play. Also, just for fun: Lady Bracknell from The Importance of Being Earnest!
Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?
All the time. My hope is that I just style it out!
Tell us a bit about "The Liar"
A colourful and modern take on Carlo Goldoni’s comedy, in which the central character becomes increasingly more tangled in their ‘witty inventions’ as the play progresses. This promises to be a well-received summer production and I look forward to seeing how our audiences enjoy this show.
Any plans for the future, after "Liar
I intend to further explore more backstage roles and have already put myself forward for stage crew for the SSC autumn production of Death of a Salesman. I’m also working with a group of close friends on the format for an Improv Show that we’re hoping to take to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.
Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to others involved in drama? This is a difficult one for me to answer as my general tactic is to simply “cram” them in! If I were to give any tip it would be not to do this!
Matt in rehearsal below
