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 written by Julie Huntington
The time lag at the end of the evening seemed interminable to anxious
directors and actors as they waited to hear the final results of the 40th Kenton Drama Festival from Adjudicator Jill O'Hare. Being the 40th Anniversary this was a very special festival, so HAODS were determined to put up a good showing with their production of A Dog's Life, written by Pam Valentine, a play which charts an evening in a dog rescue centre. The audience are given a unique insight into the lives of the dogs and hear what they have to say about the humans - although the humans in the play only hear the comments of the dogs as barks and growls!
Director Wendy Huntley had assembled a strong cast which included Roger Redfern as Old Ben, the tramp's dog; spoiled French Poodle, Fifi was played by Claire Wallis; Fritz, the German Shepherd guard dog was played by Gareth Saunders sporting a true Schwarzenegger accent and Ginger, the yappy, chewy puppy who is obsessed with food was played by Julie Huntington who was suitably irritating! The two humans, the warden and a lady visitor, were played by Paul Cockfield and Karen DuPlessis.
I am delighted to report that A Dog's Life received four nominations: Claire and Julie for best actress, Gareth for best actor and the set for best set. To top it all. this play was the outright winner of the Festival, winning the Kenton Drama Festival cup!
Thanks go to all involved including John Huntley and Keith Jeffries who stage managed, Val Jeffries who assisted on the production and of course, Leah Corlet who was responsible for the stage dressing with a difference. The show had less than three weeks to be put together, owing to the proximity of the production of Follies, so winning is truly an amazing acheivment. Congratulations to all involved.
If you missed it at Henley, please make an effort to see it on 17th June at the Corn Exchange in Wallingford.
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