Reviews
The media
'Chris Rochester played a young vibrant Othello brilliantly....(Charlotte) Tayler's beautifully executed Desdemona managed to convey sweetness and humour .... with Darren Heather's wonderfully understated performance it is easy to see why Othello is taken in. Special mentions for Gareth Brighton, an utterly believeable and likeable Cassio, and Pamela Parry, a woman torn between her husband and closest friend.'
'The 12-strong cast took on a challenge which would test the most seasoned of actors... They triumphed.'
Hannah Russell
Sussex Express 28th November 2008
'David Parton is making a name for himself with translations of plays from Norweigan. Parton has now created an outstanding production of Ibsen's The Master Builder both as director and translator.'
'It is some achievement to make Ibsen palatable without dumbing him down, but Synergy Theatre achieved this through an approach which dispensed with stereotypical notions of the playwright as a purveyor of unremitting gloom.'
'It was (Charlotte) Tayler who proved outstanding in a cast that did not contain a weak link. Parton's translation was also impressive, proving accessible but free of any mannered attempts at idiom.'
'This production was brave, resourceful and an unqualified success.'
Jeremy Malies
Sussex Express 18th January 2008
'Charlotte Tayler is an actress to watch out for. Her sensitive portrayal of the hard suffering housewife Gina was a joy to watch. Her vocal control when she became irritated by her husband was immaculate, the character was well rounded and believable. She was a true example of how to perform Ibsen at its best.'
'But it was Beth Fitzpatrick's charming interpretation of the young girl Hedvig that got my attention. With a bit more confidence, she has potential to develop into a well rounded and exciting performer.'
Sascha Cooper
remotegoat.co.uk
The audience
'My admiration for the entire cast was quite genuine .... It was great to see an unfussy, unflashy production that really delivered the goods. We were all (there were three in my 'party') impressed by the top notch acting. Anyway - to sum up - we loved the production and have sung its praises.
'For atmosphere, being in a real ‘rural’ setting was a great asset. Branagh’s version used the usual tired film set with ‘plastic’ bushes. ... your production right from the start brought out the humour so vividly and yet so tastefully, thereby contrasting with and highlighting the times of deep and almost harrowing emotion. The whole production sparkled with life from beginning to end.'
'I'm writing to congratulate your Company on its splendid performance of The Master Builder in St. Mary's Church yesterday. My wife and I were completely enthralled. I had seen the play years ago, but certainly not better performed. I'd be grateful to receive details of your forthcoming projects. The Master Builder is certainly one of the best theatre performances I have seen in Eastbourne in the last dozen or so years.'
'I enjoyed The Glass Menagerie immensely. I thought Tom and Laura were outstanding. Everything hinges on Tom in terms of the narration and the notions of memory. His delivery and whole approach to the role were first-rate and his treatment of the linking speeches was so good he gave them the quality of a prose poem. Laura was equally impressive. I suspect she may indeed be an American since her accent was so consistent but maybe eastern seaboard rather than Mississippi delta (I didn't buy a programme!). The director also did a fine job in suggesting the ethereal quality of a memory play with nothing much more than a black backcloth. The casting was spot-on throughout.'