A matter of chance

Boundary Players: Dangerous Corner, at the William Penney Theatre, Tadley on from Tuesday, February 8 to Saturday, February 12

A chance remark about a cigarette box during a dinner party at the home of publisher Robert Caplan and his wife Freda sparks off a series of admissions and recriminations. As the group of friends are forced to face the truth, their relationships are tested to breaking point, with tragic consequences.

But what if the remark had not been made and the 'dangerous corner' had been safely negotiated, leaving all those guilty secrets undiscovered? This is the question posed by J B Priestley’s well known play, performed last week by Boundary Players.

Dangerous Corner was written in the 1930s and, with its slightly dated dialogue, the Players wisely chose to retain the period setting. Andy Abbott's production and design were very impressive, with the excellently appointed set and fine costumes instantly capturing the atmosphere of the time. Under the direction of Pat Archer the cast were well-rehearsed and handled the intrigue and growing tension between the characters quite confidently, although the action felt a little static at times.

Gavin Crow was calm and cool in the role of Robert, the host of the party, and the main catalyst of the ensuing series of arguments, though I felt he could have conveyed more of the character's desperation towards the end.

Natalie Edgson as his wife Freda reacted well to the growing discomfort of the party while Claire Humphreys as Olwen gave a very strong performance with carefully controlled facial expressions and demeanour. David Stephenson captured the irritability of Gordon's character well, though his bursts of physical aggression needed to be more tightly choreographed. Kirsten Johnston captured the moodiness of the young Betty with some skill, while Mick Lee as the shady Charles and Davina Harris in a charming cameo as Maud completed the cast.

Overall, this was a good production of a difficult but thought-provoking play, which revealed just how much damage can be done by a single remark made at the wrong time.

MARK LILLYCROP