Over the River and Through the Woods

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

July 2024

Review from YourHarlow:

THE mark of a really good production is when it manages to immerse you in another world for two hours and you don’t really notice.

You do believe you are in Hoboken, New Jersey. You do believe you are looking in on the lives of Italian-Americans who have just been told that their beloved grandson is moving to Seattle.

Nick’s loving grandparents never let him forget where he belongs – in New Jersey in the bosom of his tenacious, tender-hearted, loud, loving and well-fed Italian- American family. But when Nick is offered his dream job on the other side of

There are a number of reason for this. Firstly, the performance by Jordyn Linklater as Nick was outstanding. It was understated but he held the performance.

It is very easy for English productions of American plays to go OTT. You start thinking you are in an episode of Seinfeld meets The Glass Menagerie. Not here. This Nick was the embodiment of a young man at the crossroads of his life. He understood the importance of family but..life sometimes gets in the way. Jordyn really graced the stage but also worked so well with the other actors. His exasperation was perfection!

The two sets of grandparents were also very skilfully portrayed. They were subtle and yet so distinct. We have always enjoyed the acting of Tony Saxby. Again a very understated actor but his portrayal of Frank was warm, witty and earnest.

He was joined by Susan Finch-Bartlett as Susan. Again hers was quite a cliched role but it is only cliched as it is true. This reviewer had Irish grandparents so the idea of having food mailed to you is totally plausible!

But Susan like Lynda Shelverton as Emma did not play for laughs but instead did the award winning play justice. Their performances were in many ways understated and yet clearly defined.

Susan’s final scene was particularly poignant.

Over the past few years, Adam Thompson has become one of our firm favourites. His effusive Nunzio was a wonderful character but at the same time, he handled the more sombre themes really well.

This was a great ensemble and so well acted. The Trivial Pursuit scene was a master class of timing and comedy.

They all painted a picture of New Jersey life. The cars, the jobs, the church, the stores. The back stories and the characters.

Caitlin played by Alice Cooper is more than just a walk on part. She is also at a cross roads in her new in America having come from Ireland. Again, very deftly played by Alice.

It was just a real pleasure to watch the actors perform together as an ensemble. This is where credit is due to director Will Jamieson and his team.

Sometimes watching a really good theatre company is like watching a really good small orchestra or band. The delight is watching them work with each other. It takes hard work and commitment.

Above all else, this was heartwarming but also life affirming. We highly recommend.