See How They Run
July 2023
Written by Phillip King
Directed by Andrew Manktelow
Assisted by Mark Kitchener
Cast List
Ida, the maid
Jill Balderston
Miss Skillon
Amanda Miller
Rev. Lionel Toop
Steve Berry
Penelope Toop
Joanna Godman
L.Cpl Clive Winton
Richie Bassett
The Bishop of Lax
John Sansom
Intruder
Joe Pritchett
Rev. Arthur Humphrey
Neil Balderston
Sgt Towers
Darren Hammock
Stage Manager
Helen Caston
Set Construction
Helen Caston, Ian West, Alan Godman, Larry Davis, Jeanette Davis,
Steve Berry, Brian Redding, Joanna Godman, Darren Hammock, Neil Balderston, Jill Balderston,
Alex Green, Amanda Miller, Joe Pritchard, Gerald Flanagan and Jennifer Flanagan
Prompt
Frances Hinde
Props
Alex Green and Cara Micallef
Lighting & Sound
Matt Micallef and Phill Willing
Costumes
Sourced via the Oasthouse Wardrobe and cast members
NODA Review
Friday 14th July 2023
Written in the 1940s, and set in the war, See How They Run, is a farce very much of its time, but would it entertain us 80 odd years later? A resounding YES!
I wanted to applaud as the lights came up on a well-designed set and props (by the cast), so period in every way, even down to the stone hot water bottles, a superlative set and just like a vicarage of the 40s.
Its residents, Penelope Toop (Joanna Godman) ‐ what a roller coaster of a part for Joanna, she had us in her hands, an actor that didn't falter, I was overwhelmed with her performance, perfect in acting, great costume and singing badly (very difficult to do) ‐ Joanna, you amazed me. PERFECT. Along with husband, the Reverend Lionel Toop (Steve Berry) they convinced us all, that they were real people in a bizarre situation. Steve was perfectly cast to be alongside Joanna, their lines were delivered with precision and perfect timing and conviction, an enjoyable mix of sophistication on their parts and innocence and vulnerability on his. Also, in the vicarage, was their maid, Ida (Jill Balderston) who observes, comments, and participates in the antics. Jill delivered an excellent characterisation of Ida's role, making all her funny lines count. Ida's west country accent on its own was so convincing and made her part even more funny, well-done Jill. The arrival of the dashing Clive Winton (Richie Basset), his chaos was marvellous in this role and he only took on the role just a week ago, a huge part to undertake in such a short time, not looking at his script that he carried, Richie you need a medal for your performance. The Bishop of Lax (John Sansom) brought to life with a warm-hearted determination to find out what was happening, and his involvement in the chase scene was so hilarious with great comic effect. Joe Pritchett as an escaping German officer digused as yet another clergyman, was so menacing with those eyes and voice scary. Reverend Arthur Humphrey (Neil Balderston), a nice role played with a naivety by Neil. Darren Hammock as Sergeant Towers looked every bit the strong army sergeant. Amanda Miller as Miss Skillon, the suitably prim parish busy body and then disgustingly drunk for half of the performance, who really starts this mayhem off, has a flare for comedy and this performance by Amanda will remain in my thoughts for a long time ‐ a great performance by Amanda.
Farce is not easy to carry off, but the company of RaTS knew what was expected of them, and they certainly achieved it in this 'See How They Run'. The pace, mayhem and the chorography in chase was faultless and as the story unfolded, there were many memorable moments, especially in the second and third acts, that captured the essence of farce, clearly enjoyed by the audience. Congratulations to the Director, Andrew Manktelow and his assistant Mark Kitchener, for a very successful farce. Costume department (Claire Feekings and Joanna Godman) for the array of costumes, and for securing a lot of dog collars! After seventy odd years this play does still make people laugh. Well done to RaTS for bringing this exceptional play to us in Medway. Thank You. .
Gordon Harris,
NODA rep. District 5
Written in the 1940s, and set in the war, See How They Run, is a farce very much of its time, but would it entertain us 80 odd years later? A resounding YES!
I wanted to applaud as the lights came up on a well-designed set and props (by the cast), so period in every way, even down to the stone hot water bottles, a superlative set and just like a vicarage of the 40s.
Its residents, Penelope Toop (Joanna Godman) ‐ what a roller coaster of a part for Joanna, she had us in her hands, an actor that didn't falter, I was overwhelmed with her performance, perfect in acting, great costume and singing badly (very difficult to do) ‐ Joanna, you amazed me. PERFECT. Along with husband, the Reverend Lionel Toop (Steve Berry) they convinced us all, that they were real people in a bizarre situation. Steve was perfectly cast to be alongside Joanna, their lines were delivered with precision and perfect timing and conviction, an enjoyable mix of sophistication on their parts and innocence and vulnerability on his. Also, in the vicarage, was their maid, Ida (Jill Balderston) who observes, comments, and participates in the antics. Jill delivered an excellent characterisation of Ida's role, making all her funny lines count. Ida's west country accent on its own was so convincing and made her part even more funny, well-done Jill. The arrival of the dashing Clive Winton (Richie Basset), his chaos was marvellous in this role and he only took on the role just a week ago, a huge part to undertake in such a short time, not looking at his script that he carried, Richie you need a medal for your performance. The Bishop of Lax (John Sansom) brought to life with a warm-hearted determination to find out what was happening, and his involvement in the chase scene was so hilarious with great comic effect. Joe Pritchett as an escaping German officer digused as yet another clergyman, was so menacing with those eyes and voice scary. Reverend Arthur Humphrey (Neil Balderston), a nice role played with a naivety by Neil. Darren Hammock as Sergeant Towers looked every bit the strong army sergeant. Amanda Miller as Miss Skillon, the suitably prim parish busy body and then disgustingly drunk for half of the performance, who really starts this mayhem off, has a flare for comedy and this performance by Amanda will remain in my thoughts for a long time ‐ a great performance by Amanda.
Farce is not easy to carry off, but the company of RaTS knew what was expected of them, and they certainly achieved it in this 'See How They Run'. The pace, mayhem and the chorography in chase was faultless and as the story unfolded, there were many memorable moments, especially in the second and third acts, that captured the essence of farce, clearly enjoyed by the audience. Congratulations to the Director, Andrew Manktelow and his assistant Mark Kitchener, for a very successful farce. Costume department (Claire Feekings and Joanna Godman) for the array of costumes, and for securing a lot of dog collars! After seventy odd years this play does still make people laugh. Well done to RaTS for bringing this exceptional play to us in Medway. Thank You. .
Gordon Harris,
NODA rep. District 5
First performed on the RaTS stage in 1989, Phillip King's farce is our second anniversary production.
Set in the early 1940s at the vicarage in Merton-cum-Middlewick, we find the Rev. Lionel Toop's wife, Penelope, who is an ex-actress. While Lionel is away, Clive, an actor who has been enlisted and stationed nearby, calls on his old friend. He invites Penelope to dine in town which is out of bounds to servicemen, so he dresses in Lionel's blacks. Miss Skillon, a parishioner, sees the couple repeating one of their theatrical scenes and draws the wrong conclusion. She is convinced that the wife of her beloved vicar is having an affair and attempts to expose her. Matters become highly complicated when Lionel arrives home, followed by Penelope's uncle (the Bishop of Lax), a visiting vicar, and an escaped German P.O.W. disguised as a vicar!
