REVIEW – ST MARTIN’S COLLEGE

THREE SHOWS:
STEPPING OUT, THE DANNY CROWE SHOW
and THE FIRE RAISERS

performed by second and third year Drama students

My experience of the Drama teaching – and learning - at St Martin’s College convinces me that here is a significant and worthwhile contribution to Lancaster’s rich theatre scene. I have reviewed several of their shows over the last couple of years and rarely been disappointed. There are several reasons for this. First, their wide choice of texts from c1600 to contemporary work including major European writers – this latter a rare happening on the professional stage, alas.

Second, I have felt a real sense of evident enjoyment and sheer hard work when seeing their shows. Not just from the cast and directors, but from the oft-unsung members of the production: lights, sound, properties, stage management and front of house. There is evidence that these students are aware of the professionalism and teamwork that are required to ensure the success of any production.

How does all this happen; where does it come from? Obvious, really – the staff. Like schools and any other workplace, so much depends on the abilities, enthusiasm and commitment of the leadership. There is obviously a close-knit, well run and happy departmental team here.

In any organisation there are good times and bad, the lean years and the times of plenty. Both with the staff and students, St Martins seems to be enjoying the good times – which means that we, their audiences, can be confident of being entertained, educated and, simply, feasted.

This term sees three annual productions: two from the third year students, and one from the second years. These were, respectively, Stepping Out by Richard Harris, The Danny Crowe Show by David Farr, and The Fire Raisers by Max Frisch.

Here are three very different pieces. Two British contemporary plays; one a heart warming but outrageous comedy, the other a look at the darker side of contemporary celebrity culture. Both these pieces were performed at The Dukes.

The Frisch dates from Switzerland in the 1940s – yes, there’s more to that tiny country than its paradoxical navy, the cuckoo clocks, chocolate and those wonderfully clad soldiers in the Vatican. This was staged in the College’s Black Box Theatre – a versatile and interesting venue.

John and I were delighted with all three shows, which do not attract the attention of the local theatre going public they deserve. So keep an eye open for what they are doing next, and give them a try. On present form, you should not be disappointed.

• Click here to see our review of Stepping Out
• Click here to see our review of The Danny Crowe Show
• Click here to see our review of The Fire Raisers

Copyright © 8 February 2006 Michael Nunn