Writer: Peter Gordon
Director: Chrissy Hodkinson
9-23 November 2023, The Gaslight Theatre, Cambridge
Gaslight Theatre’s final offering for 2024 is Peter Gordon’s play The Third Week in August. Written in 2005, it is a (mainly) comedic look into the lives of six people staying at a caravan park on the English coast. There’s the long-time visitors Neville (Colin Hodkinson) and Mary (Kerry Lucas-Candy), Mary’s recently divorced sister Liz (Dallas Dams), single playwright Sue (Sandy Morris), and unwed couple Tony (Peter Briston) and Jenny (Stef Gibson-Muir).
All six were well cast and believable. Hodkinson played mistreated Neville appropriately gaining the audience’s sympathy and eventual delight at his redemption arc. The confrontation between Lucas-Candy and Dams in the second scene was well executed. Peter Briston was utterly convincing as Tony. Briston’s manner, body language, and understanding of the character’s motivations, backstory and subtext were spot on. Morris and Dams facial expressions and nuances were captivating and entertaining. Gibson-Muir once again proved to be a proficient and engaging actor.
In a theatre as small as the Gaslight, enunciation and voice control are crucial for the audience’s experience and comfort. Vocal tone is also important in portraying characters, and there needs to be an emotional variance in delivery from volume to pace to pitch. Unfortunately, some of the delivery of dialogue was challenging and aurally uncomfortable.
Hodkinson’s direction worked well on yet another fantastic Gaslight set including real caravan features. The costuming and props were also terrific. Opening night nerves got the better of the cast with some missed entrances and lines, but they continued with cohesive teamwork to a receptive audience.
As a script, there were periods that were heavier on the drama, with comedy seemingly forgotten. There is a note in the programme that says “This play briefly touches on two sensitive subjects.” Gordon dealt with one issue in a lighter manner, and the other felt as though it was from left field, and did not sit well within the overall body of work. However, the cast and director had worked through both sensitive subjects, and they were addressed with the appropriate gravitas.
Tickets have been selling like hotcakes for The Third Week in August. Gaslight has found the right formula for their continued success, and the ongoing support from the community is admirable. The Third Week in August has some exceptionally clever and surprising lines that will make you laugh out loud.
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