"Time and the Conways" by JB Priestley (18-21 Oct 2017)

Poster

If you know two J B Priestley plays, chances are this is the second.
Recently revived by Rupert Goold at the National Theatre, it has also been broadcast several times on TV and radio over the last 30 years.
It is a fascinating play on several different levels. First, there is Priestley’s interest in time, which is a central motif here. Alan is the author’s voice in expounding the theory of time. But it is through Kay’s eyes that we experience the idea: when exactly do the three acts of the play occur? Does the second act actually occur at all? Is it a dream, a premonition or simply a flash-forward?
But, time aside, there are other powerful themes of family, relationships, love... and the dangerous power of a simple word or a look that can throw lives onto a complete new path. These are all wonderfully brought out in Time and the Conways.
Finally to all the talented people involved, both backstage and on set, and to you, our audience, I say a very heart-felt ‘welcome and thank you’!
Paul Smith

What They Said
Saturday Show
"Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the production on Saturday evening. Not the easiest of plays to put on, but I thought your analogy of the 1997 'Things Can Only Get Better' and the awful reality as things are 20 years later was inspired. It wasn't a play that I was familiar with, but it was typical Priestley - the apparently happy and prosperous family celebrations ruined by some awful secret.  I hope you were pleased with the result and I'm glad that casting Bella worked out so well.  Congratulations." Carole
"I am only one amongst the many attending the theatre on Saturday evening at St. Michael's who enjoyed the Priestley play. Like the others I am eager to declare the performance a substantive London stage experience with just accolades flowing to the deftness of  orchestration by the evening's stellar director. Of the plays in which you have been involved, it was, in my opinion, the best. I can envisage an interlude for the  Christmas Panto where the motto "Onward and Upward" will be emblazoned on the coat-of-Arms of Sir Laughelot.” Paul
​
Friday Show
"What a great show. Last night was the first time I have seen the play in its entirety and it really worked. Enjoyed it tremendously and was very glad that friends I invited were able to come and see it (they asked about the next productions). Well done - all that​ hard work has paid off.  Have a good one this eve!" James H
"An excellent production with a strong script, cast and production team. It all worked so well and drew us in further and further. Well done everyone. Break a leg tonight" Chris H
"Top performance last night, good to see established and some new talent. Thank you all" x Paul R
Thursday Show
"Well done last night. A lovely cast with some super performances. Break a leg for the rest of the run!" Guy F
"Well done everyone!  I enjoyed my “time” last night.  An unfamiliar thought-provoking play, very well acted and a great set.  Very nicely paced too.  Particularly impressed with the way you portrayed the 20 year difference in age.
All your hard work really showed through.
​Hope you enjoy the rest of the run" Alastair D
"Yes, well done everyone! And good luck to all those of you who are going straight into panto rehearsals ...." Kay P
"We loved it – it was so professionally acted – the cast were just great and a super set too.    Congratulations from us all" Jen S
"Absolutely loved Time and the Conways. Fabulous treatment of an amazing and thoughtful play. Big congrats my fellow SMP’ers - another excellent production." Adrian E
Opening Night
"I just loved the play such brilliant acting by all of you you all must be thrilled how it went I'm sure the rest of the week will get better and better.” Cressida S
"I thoroughly enjoyed the play, even if it was opening night, and at no time thought of looking at my watch, with the two breaks not being an issue." Mike D
"Goodluck tonight - it really was hilarious!" Rachel P
"We enjoyed the play yesterday evening - well done to all involved" Caroline

Programme
programme_ttc.pdf
File Size: 138 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Pictures

Cast

THE CONWAYS:
Mrs Conway (Christine Neyman)
Alan (James MacDonald)
Madge (Jo Harry)
Robin (Ramin Farahani)
Hazel (Leonia Chesterfield)
Kay (Georgina Parren)
Carol (Bella Rust)
OTHERS:
Joan Helford (Sarah Maddock)
Ernest Beevers (Chris Mounsey)
Geraldine Thornton (Elizabeth Ollier)

Crew

Director (Paul Smith)
Producer (Jane Atkinson)
Stage Management (Bryony Wilman, Emily Rudd)
Set Designer (James Holmes-Siedle assisted by Jane Hanna)
Sound and Lighting (Utku Er)