Victorian Values: The Witham, Barnard Castle

I do feel a bit connected to some of the characters in writer/director Laurence Sach’s production for The Castle Players’ winter tour. One of my grandfathers was a nailmaker – his father a Durham coal miner. Then there’s the rather obvious link to the pioneering investigative journalist, and one-time editor of The Northern Echo, William T Stead – a suitably inquisitive, moralistic performance from Andy Moorhouse.

The point is that we all have Victorian relatives, whether they were rich, political or poor. Sach’s music-hall-inspired creation is a bit like reading one of Stead’s newspapers to music, with short stories and songs about politics and how ordinary people lived. Front page: Her moral highness, Sarah Fells, sets the tone as Queen Victoria. Turn the page and there’s the shirtmaker; a lovely portrayal by Sue Byrne.

Page three: a sad prostitute, a grizzly murder or a prisoner on the Victorian treadmill of tragedy – lightened here with a touch of wry humour and a lots of good-old-days singalong. The best performance must be Ben Pearson, for his mastery of many parts and his injection of much-needed comedy. I also really liked the many faces of Chris Best and in perfect control, master of ceremonies, Ian Kirkbride.

Josie Pollard’s music was great; some of the singing was s a bit off, but that makes it all the more honest. Just because someone can’t sing in tune – does that mean they shouldn’t? It’s all relative anyway. Visiting village halls in Teesdale and beyond – more information : info@castleplayers.co.uk

Helen Brown