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World Premiere of Cookson Classic
The
Cinder Path
South Shields Customs House
Wednesday
9th to Saturday 12th
September 2015.
Fresh
off the heels of Geordie The Musical (North East Theatre Guide review)
comes a hit drama based a story by one of the regions most successful authors.
Catherine Cookson’s tale pulls together the friction caused by battles between
classes, sexes and countries and wraps it up in a tender love story.
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| Photo: George Knox |
Paul Dunn has adapted the popular novel into a
tight drama that went down a storm to a packed Customs House. Central to the drama is young Charlie
Macfell, played by the versatile Jamie Brown, who rarely leaves the stage. Charlie may be at school but his father is
both trying to marry him off and ensure he is capable of running their farm. He
doesn’t approve of some of the harsh ways in which he deals with his staff.
 |
| Photo: George Knox |
As landlord to some of his staff, his Father is
able to wield considerable power. At the start of the show we witness the lad
from the workhouse, Ginger Slater, being punished on the cinder path for his
apparent laziness. As is often the case,
what goes round, comes around and we also see Ginger grow as the plot develops.
James Hedley does a great job as the lad makes the most of his opportunities.
 |
| Photo: George Knox |
Of
course Cookson always develops strong female characters. Sarah Boulter has great pathos as Nellie. She
is able to show empathy whilst never being weak. At times Charlie’s
inexperience makes the character comes across like Fast Shows Ralph from the
Ralph and Ted sketches. The ladies in Charlie’s life are instrumental in the
decisions that he makes and the path that he follows. However, as Charlie heads
off to fight in The Great War, he grows in maturity though many events are
beyond his control, such is the nature of war.
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| Photo: George Knox |
The
Cinder Path features a strong supporting cast who perform a large variety of
demanding roles. Paul Dunn, for example, was the aggressive Dad in one scene
and the solicitor shortly after. Rosie
Fox, Anna Nicholson and Georgia Nicholson play the other women, and some of the
soldiers, in Charlie’s life with a wonderful presence. Paul is joined by Steven
Stobbs who plays a number of allies to the sometimes hapless Charlie.
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| Photo: George Knox |
The
much missed Jackie Fielding was directing the show with Ion Production’s Gareth
Hunter until her untimely death. The creative pair have delivered a passionate
play that has both comedic lighter moments and some pretty intense points. The movement of the cast, particularly
during the war battle scenes was fluid.
Jamie
Brown leads a strong cast in a production which is a must for the many fans of
South Shield’s born Catherine Cookson. The show represents another cracking
world premiere at South Shield’s Customs House.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East
Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Read
the North East Theatre Guide Preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/preview-cinder-path-at-south-shields.html
Tickets:
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| Photo: George Knox |
The
Cinder Path runs from Wednesday 9th
to Saturday
12th September 2015
at the Customs House with matinees on the 10th and 12th.
For tickets contact The Customs House on 0191 4541234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.
Promo photography by George Knox (weblink)
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