Simon Perry was awarded the Keeley Plate in 2019
By Michael Rahman
This year, Sue Wheeler and Edwina Marrow joined me on the Keeley Plate committee, both former juniors themselves, with Sue being a contemporary of John Keeley in whose memory this award is presented. We met up earlier this month and I’m going to take about four minutes to relate our discussion.
The 2018/19 season started with a bang. The Sneeze was filled with remarkable performances, it was funny throughout with poignant undertones, especially felt with Jonathan Neary’s portrayal of Vasily Vasilich’s Swan Song. Each member of the ten-strong cast had their chance to shine. This play stood proud on equal footing with the rest of the season, and you won’t have seen the words “Youth Theatre” in the programme. The maturity on show was testimony that it was an appropriate decision to leave it off. Sometimes members shy away from Youth Theatre shows. We tricked them into going! And they would have been so cross if they’d missed it just because of some preconceived notions that they can now put to rest. You’re welcome!
Ethan Elsdon had a commanding presence, more mustard anyone? The Sneeze segment itself was so funny. Largely without words it was a masterclass of facial expressions and mime. Ethan was terrifying. Kate Batcheler hilarious.
One of the highlights of the whole season was Simon Perry’s Nyukhin in The Evils of Tobacco. It takes a certain amount of bravery to take to the stage on your own to deliver a really lengthy monologue. In front of the tabs too. Nothing much to hide behind, nearly in the laps of the front row. Though alone, he peppered the stage with the characters he was discussing – we could ‘see’ his wife. It had moments of light and shade, calmness and distress. Truly memorable.
Next was Wendy and Peter Pan. We saw Simon Perry again moving confidently about the stage. Josie Cunnington shone as Tiger Lily despite the relatively small part. Ethan Simmons is developing well, and Jack Randall was just adorable as Tom Darling. A role he shared with Martha Brown. The Keeley Committee members staggered our nights so we were able to see them both.
Jonathan Neary was amazing in The Ladykillers. And speaking of Ladykillers, Jaydun Dervish and Lewis Gonyou appeared on stage in full costume and make up to take their place amongst a rabble of old ladies for a few of the performances and we’re so glad they did because it gives us a chance to mention them. Jaydun has been involved in lighting nearly all the shows this season, and Lewis enthusiastically supports the sound. They busy themselves backstage where there’s little glory but they’ve been committed to the theatre this season, and as youth theatre members we’re happy to mention them.
Kiara Kaspersen as ‘Emil’ in Emil and the Detectives showed wonderful promise, able to cope with so many lines while hardly leaving the stage at all. Charlie McCarthy gave a very good character performance, playing against type we’re assured. And Emma Goulden stole the show. We have to keep our eye on that one. Louie Easton, though disguised, was memorable in his dastardly moustache. Stealing from a child – the swine! Connie Williams projected really well and Rachel Ekins, so young, stamping across the stage. She didn’t have much to do, but when she did she certainly made the most of it.
A great season for our young ones. This year, for all the reasons mentioned, we are delighted to award the Keeley Plate to – Simon Perry.