You, Me and Mrs Jones

Chatroom

Chipstead Junior Players, The Courtyard Theatre, Chipstead

Reviewed by Oliver Cownden

Chipstead Junior Players' latest offering was an evening of two one act plays.

You, Me and Mrs Jones by Tony Horitz was performed by a cast of 20 of the younger actors in the group playing in excess of 50 different parts between them.

The play itself is centred on two unemployed teenagers sent on a mission to find heroes in a dysfunctional world.

The enthusiasm and potential of the large young cast was evident from the start. Lewis Khan and Rosie Jones played the lead characters, Somebody and Someone.

Khan for me was the star of this play - he had a good range and delivered a confident performance.

Jones also delivered a good performance although at times her voice projection was not strong enough.

Robert Bradshaw as Jack played the comedy of his part well and Amy Pinder-Hales as McConnemmall and Thunder had a real stage presence delivering a confident and considered performance.

On several occasions the pace dropped, however this was raised by Khan's stage presence.

It was very encouraging to see that director Ian Brown had used a young crew in lighting, sound and stage management supported by adult mentors.

Enda Walsh's Chatroom is set in cyberspace, where we watch six 15 to 17 year olds chatting online, exposing manipulation and the ultimate act of teenage rebellion.

The lighting was excellent, isolating each actor's area. The movement of the actors was well choreographed throughout.

Alex Clark as Jim explored the emotional gamut of his tortured character well. His personal journey was well portrayed by this young actor - it was a moving performance.

Lucy Bennett played the invigilator with a great sensitivity and was most convincing.

Eva and Emily played by Katie Milsom and Molly Hopkins character's were well crafted. Milsom at times did not project her voice strongly enough but nonetheless gave a strong performance. Hopkins had a stage presence beyond her years.

James Mabbutt gave a strong and thoughtful interpretation as Jack, delivering the awkwardness of his part well. William was played by Alex Marrow - he played the underlying menace and controlling nature of his character well and for me took the accolade of best performance on the night.

Director Lauren Milsom and assistant Jo Hopkins produced polished performances from the cast.

There were many encouraging performances in these two plays. I look forward to seeing these actors continue to develop.