Theatre Review: Cranford @ Stoke Repertory Theatre

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Stoke Repertory Company opens its new season with Cranford – a study of social mores in the 1830s. Set in a backwater town far from high society and loosely based on the Knutsford of that era, the story comes from the classic novel by Mrs Gaskell which has come back into the spotlight thanks to a successful tv version and the tale has been adapted for the stage by Martyn Coleman.

Even though there are no truly rich people in the town, there still exists a social hierarchy. Due to being the daughter of a member of the clergy, Miss Matty (Sarah Weston) is far enough up the pecking order to host afternoon teas to which the eligible females of the area are invited.

Miss Pole (Dawn Birks) is the strongest of the characters and has opinions – usually derogatory – on most subjects but especially on men and the new-fangled railways. She is able to dominate two other regulars Miss Barker (Justine Cope) and Mrs Forrester (Gina Brian)

However, even Miss Pole is subservient to the only truly rich person in the town Mrs Jamieson (Beverley Richardson). Owner of the only carriage in Cranford, Mrs Jamieson is the expert on social etiquette and has to be consulted on the right manner to behave.

With the afternoons spent playing cards and discussing what type of headwear is appropriate to wear in a small provincial town – all interspersed with gossip and the eagerness to be the first with a snippet of tittle-tattle – the gentility is upset with two other characters.

Martha (Georgia Parkes) is a down-to-earth maid in Miss Matty’s household who has yet to be “broken in” and brings a lower class viewpoint to proceedings while local Doctor Mr Hoggins (Christan Stewart) brings a not exactly wished-for male presence to the afternoons when he visits to collect the latest copy of the Journal. Hoggins is one of only two male characters in the piece – the other being Martha’s reluctantly-allowed “follower” Jem Hearn (Chistian Bagnall)

All is observed by the young Mrs Gaskell (Miranda Gresty) who brings the calmness and judgement of an outsider who tries to bring wisdom to the insularity of the humdrum norm. She is present when it is announced that a member of the aristocracy Lady Glenmire (Claire Mackie) has arrived to visit Mrs Jamieson.

Will the Countess dish the dirt on the Royal Household? Will she even deign to join the group at their regular sessions?

Little do the characters know that a revolution is in the offing. A surprise marriage and the financial difficulties of the local railway company are about to tilt Cranford society on its head and provide an acid test to the friendship within the group.

Director Ann McArdle also plays the role of the more mature Mrs Gaskell and narrates from the sidelines. McArdle has done a great job in capturing this slice of snobby life from two centuries ago and is very much aided by some good performances from her cast.

Gresty has the sweetness and calmness required both in her speech and actions while Birks and Richardson are on point with their spikey characters. Parkes is also very convincing in the strong character of a maid who is like a fish out of water in her new position but has the capacity to come through strongly.

With a perfect set and well-chosen costumes, the production looks a treat and the frequent passages of humour were loudly appreciated. However, one criticism that is not the fault of the production team or cast is that – at 2 hours 45 minutes in length including interval – this drama was felt by some members of the audience to be a scene too long.

With comfortable seating, well-priced tickets and good performances, it is always a pleasure to attend Stoke Rep. It should be on every theatre-goer’s to-do list.

Cranford continues until October 12th. For ticket information email enquiries@stokerep.co.uk