Tom Jones (2)
by Joan Macalpine from the novel by Henry Fielding
Tom Jones (2) had 4 performances over 13 years ago (between the 24th of November 2010 and the 27th of November 2010)
162nd Production. First presented by RDG in 1973. Based on the classic novel by Henry Fielding, this stage version of “Tom Jones” has been described as ‘a rich, ripe and bawdy romp’, but for all its colourful and coarse glory, it is a different kind of period drama, with fast-moving action and larger than life characters. However, Fielding’s novel also had some serious themes, most importantly that straightforward, generous vices are not necessarily the worst ones. He felt that far more evil lies in hypocrisy, particularly self-deceit . The themes of kindly villainy and the solid certainty of social order give this Georgian romp its firm framework. The play was originally commissioned for smaller theatres and The Thorndike Theatre at Leatherhead was one envisaged for its performance. Our chosen venue, the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, in Woking, with its generous proscenium width and raked auditorium will be eminently suitable for this flowing production, enhanced by an ambitious setting and adventurous lighting.
A gallery of photographs from the production can be found at www.showbiz.uk.net/rdg/tomjones/gallery.htm courtesy of photographer Alan Bostock
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Tom Jones - Nick LundA charming, dashing and naive victim of circumstances, almost beyond his control? Jack the lad! Likes the ladies and is easily seduced. Would probably have an A.S.B.O. today! Easily distracted. Must be a confident actor, as a lot of his dialogue is direct address to audience, with ability to drop in and out of scenes. |
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Squire Allworthy - Graham BotterillThe local Magistrate, genial, a pillar of the community, firm but fair in all matters. Tom’s foster father. |
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Bridget Allworthy and Betty - Linda RussellAllworthy’s spinster sister, who ‘adopts’ Tom and later marries a Captain Blifil. Mother of Blifil, Tom’s foster brother. Non-speaking, but important visual role in opening mime sequence. |
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Thwackum/Second Bystander - Paul FosterA rather quirky, over-zealous, pompous schoolmaster, keen on capital punishment and hanky-panky. |
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Blifil - Jamie FrierSquire Allworthy’s heir and Tom’s foster brother, eighteen months younger, full of his own importance and exceedingly jealous of Tom. Well educated. Conniving and quietly ruthless. |
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Squire Western - Mark HumbleA real large visual character. Apoplectic, impulsive and a blustering country squire, not too many brain cells, with thick, almost unintelligible country accent, thankfully written phonetically in the script. Obsessed with protecting his daughter – and marrying her off to anyone with substance. |
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Sophia Western - Anna NapolitanoThe Squire’s pretty, eligible daughter. Dutiful to her father. Tom’s real love |
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Molly Seagrim - Emma ThompsonSultry, very dirty and a slut. Described as dark haired (wig?) Cheerful and giving! Very giving! A real temptress. |
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Susan - Tari MoreThe maid at the Lion Inn. Dirty and slatternly, but not as cheerful as Molly. Just about tolerates the comings and goings of the customers. Good character role in 2nd Act |
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Mrs Waters - Nancy LundAn attractive, fun-loving, curvaceous woman. Irresistible in a corset! |
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Mrs Fitzpatrick - Melanie BrenchleyStrikingly attractive, assertive and scheming. Knows Sophia from their school days. How, we are not told? |
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Captain Fitzpatrick - Adam RobertsTall, powerfully built Irishman. “Monstrously good looking” it says in the script? Determined in his quest to find his wife and therefore somewhat blinkered and impetuous. With military bearing, he is a swaggering swordsman. |
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Lord Fellamar - Tony FrierQuote - “the best dressed and the most attractive man in the play”. Entirely self-assured. A well dressed man of polish and tone. Wealthy. Uses his position to get what he wants. Somewhat oily and smarmy. |
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Constable and Doctor - Ian ThomasBluff, genial, gentle and kind. Does his job with humility and concern for his in-mates. |
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Honour and Woman with a Basket - Jess Mann |
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Allworthy's Manservant - Maxfield Usher |
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First Bystander - Tom Hudson |
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Jenny Jones - Ellie Usher |
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George Segrim and Priest - Roy Selfe |
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Andrews - Tom Hudson |
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Executioner - Colin Dolley |
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Director - Wally Walters |
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Stage Manager - Clare Pinnock |
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Lighting - Peter Harman |
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Sound - Ian Santry |
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Set Design and Construction - John Godliman |
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Wardrobe - Lynne Walters |
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Assistant Stage Manager - Liz Thomas |
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Assistant Stage Manager - Michelle Blake |
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Wardrobe - Emma Dudley |
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Wardrobe - Anna Foster |
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Wardrobe - Jill Payne |
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Choreography - Jane Walters |
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Wardrobe - Nicola Hewitt |
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Fight Arranger - Keith Wallis |
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Continuity - Nicola Anderson |
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Continuity - Helen Skinner |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Emma Dudley |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Nick Lund |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Anne Nunn |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Bill Payne |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Clare Pinnock |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Adam Roberts |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Linda Russell |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Ian Thomas |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Liz Thomas |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Nancy Lund |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Simon Waller |
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Set Construction (Assisted) - Julian Waller |
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Photography - Alan Bostock (www.photoeyes.biz) |
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Publicity - Gillian Smithies |
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Publicity - Frankie Godliman |
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Poster and Programme Design - Anne Nunn |
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Front of House Manager - Jill Payne |
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Box Office Manager - Emma Thompson |