MEMORAMA

Aberaeron's Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Group

"A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED"

The members of ‘Memorama’ kept the audience guessing until the very end of their latest production – Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “A Murder is Announced” adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon.  Following on from their successes, this talented Amateur Dramatic Group had their audiences spellbound over the three nights in May 2005.   The twists and turns in the plot were superbly acted and this was complimented by an excellent stage set and imaginative production and direction.  The audience went through a range of emotions -  gasping,  when the three shots were fired in the dark and the body hit the floor – cries of oooh!, when the ‘so-called’ brother and sister appeared to kiss momentarily – laughter, at the zany antics of Mitzi the Hungarian maid and Bunny’s forgetfulness and eventual demise – incredulous gasps, as Miss Blacklock appeared covered in blood - and tumultuous applause when all was revealed by the inimitable Miss Marple and Inspector Craddock.

"A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" proved to be yet another outstanding success for 'Memorama' in December 2005.  Charles Dickens' famous tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from embittered skinflint to generous benefactor has been dramatised by John Mortimer with typical flair and wit in this definitive adaptation first performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Retaining Dickens' own ironic point of view through the use of a Chorus, Mortimer has created a panoramic view of Victorian London with all the much-loved characters in place.  Praise must be given to all cast members, both on stage and back stage, for a truly professional performance on four nights.  Added to this was a chorus of young children, who acted and sang in many scenes.  The narrative chorus dictated the story line in an exemplary fashion, and Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by newcomer Ed Brown, appeared in every scene, even 'sleeping' in his bed during the interval!  Congratulations to all involved - we shall look forward to the next production!

"IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY"

This was another new venture for Memorama - a farcical comedy set in a Doctor's common room.  The play, written by the master of farce Ray Cooney, has enjoyed rapturous reviews in London's West End.  It dealt with Dr Mortimer, played by Roger March, and his best friend and colleague, Dr Bonney, played by Brian Evans-Jones, starting with a Christmas party, continuing through mistaken identities, a  long lost girlfriend with a secret, a confused patient, and many Matrons, each with a different accent.  As in most comedies, all worked out well in the end, following laugh-out-loud scenes and terrific one-liners.  This was a directorial debut for one stalwart cast member, Simon Mace, and proved to be a great success with full house audiences every night.

"MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET"

This was a heart-warming story of Kris Kringle (aka Santa Claus) and his magical relationship with little Susan Walker, portrayed by 10 year old Kezia Crawford-Southgate.  Set in New York, all the cast had to rehearse their American accents!  Many local children added their voices to the songs and carols, as well as minor parts in the production.  All in all, it was another successful and joyful celebration of all things good at such a festive time of year.

"TEN TIMES TABLE"

During the Bicentenary year of the town of Aberaeron, it was very fitting to perform a comedy based on the trials and tribulations of a series of committee meetings trying to celebrate a Pageant in the town of Pendon.  Once again, there were some new faces in the cast, who portrayed their diverse characters with gusto and much humour.

"MY DEAR REVEREND COUSIN"

performed as part of the Aberaeron Bicentenary Festival at Monachty Mansion

The company of Memorama was honoured to be asked to perform a dramatisation of the late Gareth Owen's lecture on the genesis of the town of Aberaeron in the wonderful setting of Monachty Mansion on Tuesday, July 31st 2007 as part of the Aberaeron Bicentenary Festival.  The story told of the relationship between Lewis Gwynne of Monachty, his cousin Susanna Maria Jones of Tyglyn, and her marriage to the Reverend Alban Thomas Jones Gwynne, who had the vision to rebuild the harbour of Aberaeron.  Very fittingly, the Narrator was Rhodri Owen, Gareth's son, and the whole performance was a great success.

"PINOCCHIO"

Congratulations to the whole company on three fantastic performances of 'Pinocchio', adapted for the stage by John Morley.  The appreciative audiences wallowed in the story of good triumphing over evil, and even added to the performances by following certain instructions displayed on screen. 
Barbara Colman gave a stunning and energetic performance in the lead role of Pinocchio, portraying the naivety and naughtiness of the puppet to a tee, as well as the transformation to a 'real boy' in the final scene.  Gepetto was played by Brian Evans-Jones, who magnificently portrayed the caring fatherly figure with humility and a little humour.  Mention must be made of the Blue Fairy, gently characterised by Christine Leonard, and the green and lively Mr Cricket, enthusiastically played by Rhys Davies.  The 'baddie' elements came alive with Nigel Wells' nasty portrayal of Mr Fire Eater, Barbara MacCallum as the Coachman, and the sly Mr Fox and lithe Miss Cat performed by Ionett Lloyd Harvey and Llinos Lloyd respectively. Other cameo parts such as policeman Antonio, his son Lampwick, The High Court Judge and the two Ringmasters all colourfully added to the performances.
This was the closest Memorama has come to a pantomime, with many songs enhancing the clever dialogue.  Young children were also involved, acting as schoolchildren and villagers and Funland people. Mention must be made of adult Karen Bell and schoolchild Emma Mace who both sang beautiful solos.  The performances were also a feast for the eyes, with the costume department excelling once again with the use of strong vibrant colours.  The technical elements were also enhanced by the use of flashes, strobe, bubbles and many more effects.
Many thanks to the director Robert Brierley on once again achieving a finished product that pleased everyone associated with it. It was encouraging to see members of the audiences leaving the Hall with a smile on their faces after reliving a childhood story.

'OVER MY DEAD BODY'

Congratulations to the whole company on three fantastic performances of 'Over My Dead Body', a comedy by Derek Benfield, performed at Aberaeron Memorial Hall on July 16 to 18.   Ed Brown gave a polished performance as 'aged widower' Gerald James, who had to deal with the aftermath of his late wife's 'forward planning'.  His daughter Shirley and her husband, Mark were very ably portrayed by Barbara Colman and David Willis respectively.  Rowena Jones relished the role of bossy sister-in-law Amanda, and Christine Leonard shone as the glamorous 'other woman' Isobel.  The youngest cast member was Aisling Staite, who certainly raised a few eyebrows as the leggy cleaning lady Mrs Capstick. Mention must be made of Barbara MacCallum, who unfortunately was unable to perform on stage in this production, but she was 'seen' and 'heard' as the late Helen James.
It was encouraging to see members of the audiences leaving the Hall, commenting positively on the production and the use of the new comfortable seating.  Many thanks to the director Robert Brierley on once again achieving a finished product that delighted everyone associated with it.