On Golden Pond.
THE Knaresborough Players delighted their audience with a first-rate performance of this thought-provoking play, better known as the film starring Henry and Jane Fonda and Katherine Hepburn.
The play deals with three generations and the timeless t
hemes of ageing and mortality, marriage and family relationships. The effects parents have on their children and how grandchildren can give the elderly a new lease of life are explored.
Centreing on the relationship between Norman Thayler Junior (David Crosthwaite), the cantankerous old man obsessed with dying and his long-suffering wife, Ethel (Brenda Anderson), the play was in turn poignant and humorous.
The couple’s marriage is one of continual conflict and one-upmanship, yet, in their twilight years, it is essentially a loving and tolerant one.
The Thayers are spending the summer at their holiday home on Golden Pond in Maine, New England, as they have done so every year since their marriage. A frequent visitor is Charlie Martin, the postman (John Westmancoat). The couple are joined by daughter Chelsea (Jill Kay), her lover Bill Ray (Colin Smith) and his son Billy (Edward Leigh).
Chelsea and Bill head off to Europe and Billy stays on Golden Pond, forging a close bond with Norman. On her return, Chelsea and her father attempt to patch up what has always been a turbulent and difficult relationship, as he and Ethel prepare to leave Golden Pond, possibly for the last time.
On Golden Pond is not a play full of action, but one of feeling, sentiment and above all, depth.
The cast gave a good, solid, all-round performance, vividly portraying a wide range of emotions in this potentially difficult play.
Mention must be made of the well designed set depicting a log cabin overlooking the lake.
The players, director Kathryn Leigh and all involved are to be congratulated on their production.
Sheila Loffill
