Director Tom Gill, and musical director Oscar Errington, should both be especially proud of this performance that was turned around in just seven weeks. A particular highlight was Gill’s own character of an army general, which had the audience in hysterics. That Gill was willing to step in and play a character in his own play, and pull it off so well, is absolutely a sign of the great directing needed to produce something so thoroughly enjoyable.
Playing protagonist John, Stoddart truly portrays a ‘Hired Man’, through and through. His on-stage presence shows a real sense of urgency and care, as John is doomed to be defined by his physicality in an ever-changing industrial world. Particularly in transitioning from the land to the mines, Stoddart explores John’s mutable identity with ease. Stoddart’s acting really is phenomenal, clearly exposing the varied expectations of a man in the turn of the 19th century.
Abram makes a particularly sensational Emily. As a woman with deep inner turmoil, torn between freedom and compromise, her soaring vocals are akin to a bird in a cage. Abram perfectly addresses the inner turmoil Emily feels, as well as echoing the vast Cumbrian landscape she’s surrounded, almost imprisoned, by. Abram’s characterisation of Emily and her genuinely jaw-dropping vocals seemed effortless. It was absolutely a performance to be proud of, and a definite highlight for me!
All cast members boasted extraordinary talent, musically rich and skilled in acting. Sally (Cassidy Worlock) and Emily’s duet was particularly beautiful. There was a strong sense of friendship, with the two women like a light in the dark of a pit. This NUTS production was absolutely wonderful, and a delight to watch. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented bunch.