An evening at Thetford with a pint and a play!
Encore Theatre Company are a small local Thetford based company that thrive on the fun of amateur show. They primarily focus on smaller, intimate audiences which work well for their productions. Tonight’s show was their version of Where The Mushrooms Grow Grows, as well as a small play beforehand called Nobody’s Home. Set in the beautiful venue at The Bell Hotel, the evening was full of laughter and dark comedy.
The evening started with David Williams’ short play ‘Nobody’s Home’. This involved a married couple, Ange (played by Ange Tulley) and Dave (played by David Williams). Ange is eager to talk whilst Dave is trying to read the paper, a book and Facebook. The interaction continues to involve talk of dogging and naturalism: making for an excellently well crafted opening to the evening. Tulley and Williams worked very well together, sounding like a normal married couple.
Where The Mushrooms Grows follows the Gribble Family is 1984. Mother and Estella are cut off from the outside world with contact only through Ernestine. One Saturday afternoon, Jeremy calls into the home looking for his dog: much to Estella’s joy. However, when Ernestine returns home things take a turn for the worse. The play is extremely dark but also very comedic: blending both elements very nicely together. David Williams directs this play with support from Becky Collard for costumes and props. The team worked well together to produce this entertaining piece.
Becky Collard played the role of Ernestine. Collard was able to capture the insanity of Ernestine and was very convincing in the role. David Williams played the role of Jeremy. Considering Williams jumped in last minute, he was very effective as Jeremy, contrasting the unhinged nature of the Gribble family. Maggie Williams played the role of Mother. Mother is an interesting character and Williams portrays this well. Anne Kedge played the role of Estella. Kedge is able to embody the character very well, adding a dark element to the play.
Where The Mushrooms Grow has finished its run. Keep an eye out for future productions by Encore Theatre Company.
Tickets for this production were provided complimentary. Many thanks to Encore Theatre Company for reaching out and putting on a great evening!
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