The Stage

Free Folk

Published Friday 12 March 2010 at 11:40 by John Hannam

With fewer stage props and no sign of a multi-purpose set, as featured in many of their past productions, one might be slightly apprehensive with just a few chairs on stage, but within a few minutes of this Forest Forge production there is a surprise in store for the audience that no one anticipates.

With the aid of back projection, quite superb acting and a script that continually plays on your emotions, this is an unexpected gem. Free Folk rivets your attention and there is a surprise around every corner. Quality professional theatre in a cramped village hall is so satisfying and, in this case, with a running theme of country and city life, it’s rather appropriate.

Michael Cole as Tim and Stacey Evans as Hannah warm up the audience well as military history guides and gradually the link between several initially unconnected characters begins to emerge. The five actors excel in many demanding characterisations, that can change in the blink of an eyelid. They all get the chance to emotionally challenge the audience and then completely change the mood with some of the clever humour from author Gary Owen.

Maggie Tagney uses all her vast experience to beautifully portray Pearl, the kind of proud, lovable and stubborn pensioner you can find in any village. Tim Treslove excels as Shaun, described as a lovable rogue. Melody Brown has some electrifying moments as Karen.

Cole and Evans use their diverse acting skills to make this an enjoyable production, particularly on one occasion when you have to imagine more than you can actually see. The flashback scenes, created in an instant, are effective.

This is a real team effort and the versatility of the whole company, whether in a centre-stage emotional spotlight or quietly playing a pony, is a joy. Free Folk and its characters give you much to think about and absorb.