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A Picture of Alchemy by Michael Mallon
Etcetera Theatre, London 22 April – 11 May 2008
Henley Fringe Festival 20 - 25 July 2009
Written specifically for and with the Company through a series of actor/writer workshops, A Picture of Alchemy explores the modern trend in spiritual development, as we follow the story of five women who all become entangled with their male mentor, Will Fordham. A successful spiritual coach, Will leads the women on an expedition to the self and finds that transformation touches both observer and observed.
Writer Michael Mallon trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and worked as an actor with notable successes at The Royal Court, The New Vic, Salisbury Playhouse and The Northampton Royal Theatre. As a writer he has completed three seasonal shows for community theatre group Bygone Productions and The Box which was performed in a workshop production in Toronto (2005).
Cast List:
Hannah Khalil, Antony Law, Madeleine Lund, Ishbel Nicol, Lisa Ralph and Annette Roche.
Gold Standard award for performance- Ishbel Nicol
Director Aoife Smyth
Lighting Designer Rob Reed
  
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Reviews
The actresses and the actor are on stage all the time, even when it's not their scene to speak. This increases the sense of relationship among them and the effect of group therapy throughout the play. The way the set has been designed underlines this idea of everyone belonging to the same story as it is very dynamic in the way it rotates from each scene. Overall a very good production and direction linked with an interesting text and good acting.
Remote Goat
Unexpected edge from garden venue
Best drawn of the characters is perhaps Susie, played winningly by Lisa Ralph, who constantly gives her identity away and believes she’s worthless. We are teased by a poignant monologue from Angela (Annette Roche) and enjoy the moment of telephone madness after being dumped by her boyfriend of Emily (Hannah Khalil).
The performances are committed and strong, Anthony Law contrasts his portrayal of Will with the other women by the use of a smooth energy and slightly patronising manner. He leaves us in no doubt of his ultimate betrayal, but the piece might have gained from a more ambiguous start before his turning point with the marvellous Riva (Ishbel Nicol). Her interpretation of the Queen archetype is alive and unambiguous as she obviously relishes the challenges of playing a woman, ostensibly confident, yet lacking the permission to be personally fulfilled.
The outdoor setting in the Rose and Crown garden gives the piece an unexpected edge, competing with barking dogs, random chefs and church bells did not phase the talented cast and the audience was nodding knowingly at personal revelations throughout. Clever and relevant.
Henley Standard |