THE
CHILDREN’S HOUR
Directed by David Baistow
NODA Review
What a thought provoking play The Children's
Hour, written by Lillian Hellman, proved to be. It was
excellently produced with superb sets and a lead of 13
years of age who could put shivers down your spine.
This is a play about a lie and its effects on friends and
colleagues. Mary Tilford, the perpetrator of the lie, was
excellently portrayed by Jane Birchall. Cathy Hurley gave a
very good performance as Mrs Lily Mortar. Janice Bowyer and
Liz Ritson both gave thoughtful performances as Karen
Wright and Martha Dobie. (It is their lives and livelihood
that are damaged by the lie.)
Good characterisation came from Renee Clitheroe as Mrs
Amelia Tilford, Mary's grandmother. It is her besottedness
with her granddaughter and with her unwillingness to listen
to truth from adults that brought the play to its tragic
conclusion.
My admiration goes to David Baistow for tackling this play
and for his expertise in directing such untried young
performers. They did not let him down. Well done!
