by Peter Whelan

11th - 20th May 2006

To enlarge thumbnail pictures, please click them.

	W
Susanna unburdens herself to Hester.		Dr Hall dispenses with Jack’s services.
Jack attempts to have his way with an unwilling Hester.		Rafe and Susanna keep a midnight tryst in Dr Hall’s herb garden.
Susanna and Rafe allow their passion to overcome them.		Susanna teaches daughter Elizabeth about the herbs in their garden.
Jack’s jealousy leads him to challenge Rafe.		Jack offers a grovelling apology to Susanna.
Hester learns that she will be called to give evidence at the court hearing..		Barnabas Goche informs Bishop Parry that he intends to root out the truth.
A drunken Jack begins to regret his actions.		Cast & Crew.

From The Birmingham Evening Mail
THE HERBAL BED
The Grange Players
Grange Playhouse, Walsall

THIS is a beautifully written play by Peter Whelan, based on actual events in Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer of 1613 when William Shakespeare's eldest daughter was accused of a sexual liaison with a married neighbour.

The quality of the acting matches the dialogue and a skilfully constructed set representing the garden and pharmacy of Dr John Hall's home adds realism.

Kate Rock is an excellent Susanna Hall, word perfect and totally convincing as she battles to save her reputation, seriously at risk following public house allegations from her husband's heavy drinking assistant Jack Lane (Gary Pritchard).

Robert Onions impresses as the trusting Dr Hall, and there is a remarkably energetic performance from Dexter Whitehead, playing the suspected lover, Rafe Smith, particularly when he has to leap over a six-foot high garden wall at night to avoid being caught in the company of Susanna.

There is a gripping scene when the allegations are investigated in a room at Worcester Cathedral, with David Stone a menacing Vicar General. Tessa McKnight (the loyal servant, Hester) and Terry Atkinson (Bishop Parry) make strong contributions.

Directed by Paul Viles and produced by Elizabeth Smith, this fine play runs to May 27.

VERDICT: * * * *

 

PAUL MARSTON