Operama north

Reviews and Audience Reaction

Review by Tracey Bell – North West End.

“Operama North’s production was my first time of seeing this neo-noir mystery play with its intricate plot, stark lighting, flashbacks and underlying existentialist philosophy and is one that I will look out for again in the future. Directed by Stephen Cresswell and presented in the perfect location of a Methodist Church at Cortonwood, solidifying the religious setting of a Convent. With atmospheric music adding to the ambience the whole aesthetic of the surroundings served to add believability to the story. In this taut and compelling play, Cresswell creates a calm environment and directorial delivery to juxtapose the disturbing events and does so with great effect.

“Constantly on stage, Claire Martin plays; the no easy feat; Martha with confidence and depth. Martin did a stellar job of advancing the dialogue and delivering monologues of soul searching authenticity that made time stand still”.

“Cecily Rose brings the innocent and ‘simple’ Agnes to the drama both verbally and aesthetically, her mannerisms are totally relevant, and the audience are drawn to her ‘questionable’ naivety and the mystery of the situation”.

“A massive well done is needed as at very short notice and due to illness, the role of Mother Superior was covered by Production Manager Sue Martin. Martin did a superb job even though the script was open on her desk at all times, she was every inch what is expected of a Mother Superior. This unfortunate situation did not in any way distract from the flow of the play, and much praise is needed at Sue Martin’s stalwart delivery.”

“three very different characters posing very different questions, this play has moments of comparison to J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls and at the interval I was creating conclusions of my own, very much in the Agatha Christie vein! A sure sign, I was engrossed, entertained and like all good theatre should do….forcing me to question myself. It made me think both during and after and it left me feeling that sometimes there isn’t a need for answers. Interesting!  I wholeheartedly congratulate them on a thoroughly worthwhile evening of entertainment, realisation and enlightenment.

If you don’t have tickets already, I really urge you to go buy some, support local theatre and smile at what can be achieved while you question what you have witnessed. Do you believe in miracles? A wonderful evening!

"Les Smith _ NODA

Massive congratulations to everyone involved in this piece, anyone involved in theatre should go along to see this.Stephen Cresswell did an excellent job of directing and Claire Martin, Sue Martin and Cecily Rose were all outstanding delivering their respective lines and characters."

"I would like to say a massive well done to Cecily Rose Claire Martin and Sue Martin for their incredible and captivating performance of Agnes of God. You were all amazing and your performance created profound emotions in me and the audience. I'll just say a good luck fir your last performance I know you will all smash it"

"Been to support some of our new and old cast members in Agnes of god tonight! Can’t explain how thought provoking and brilliant it was! If you haven’t already got tickets for their final performance tomorrow, I would urge you to book!! Well done ladies!"

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Author: Ashley Booker - NODA 

Firstly, Operama should be congratulated in bringing an under performed work to the people of South Yorkshire. Expertly directed by Stephen Cresswell, and staged in the perfect venue, Agnes of God, tells the story of a novice nun who gives birth but does not believe she has. The child is found dead and during the investigation, the Mother Superior and a psychiatrist experience a clash of personalities.

With limited space, Stephen Cresswell directed a thrilling and thought provoking piece of theatre, with some great lighting, and the specially selected sound effects added to the atmosphere of the piece.

As Agnes, Cecily Rose was wonderful as the novice nun. She provided the drama in bucket loads with her naivety, and excelled in the dramatic scenes in Act 2. Constantly on stage, Claire Martin, portrayed the psychiatrist Dr Martha Livingstone. She captured the character brilliantly and delivered many lengthy monologues with great diction. A slight criticism would be that I didn't find her costume fitted with the character,

The final character in the play is the Mother Superior, played to absolute perfection by Sue Martin. Sue commanded the stage every time she appeared and left me wanting more. What was impressive was that Sue took over the role due to unforeseen circumstances with limited rehearsal time. A master class of character acting.

Many thanks to all at Operama for a fantastic evening.