Liberator comes to Grayshott

Where on earth could you stage a modern mystery play, by an unknown author, with the subtlest of publicity and still have the public turning up in droves? The answer, it seems, is St Luke's Church in Grayshott!

And why was I there myself last Friday, I wondered, when most other playgoers were enjoying a jaunty comedy with the Grayshott Stagers barely a hundred yards away. Curiously, when I asked others waiting for 'curtain up', why they had come along, none seemed entirely sure. "They said we would enjoy it, so here we are" was a typical response.

The play was "The Liberator" by the late Rob Lacey performed by the Lacey Theatre Company. It was perhaps more a series of sketches, a revue even, performed by three young actors with the energy and pace which almost defied the audience to keep up. The three soon had us in the palms of their hands, as we shared with them every emotion from deep pathos to the relief of laughter as the storyline unfolded. Using the simplest of props, a set of different sized blocks doubled as beds to tombs, these highly polished performers led us eagerly through a story of life and death to life again. Here was great professionalism, flowing smoothly from scene to scene, a joy to watch. Some of us engaged early and were swept along as we recognised the original story. Others who did not, sat fascinated, bright eyed but captivated.

For this was a story, the age old story, by three original authors Matthew, Mark and Luke, retold in modern language and regional accents which challenged and brought new insight into the Gospel stories, neatly arranging them in logical sequence alongside everyday interpretations. The production had much to praise. The crucifixion was particularly sensitively portrayed, while walking on water offered more fun than fear. Would we all have gone along, had we known that it was simply a retelling of the Gospels? Perhaps not. But we would have missed a rare treat, one of the most uplifting performances in many a month.

The occasion was the brainchild of Sheila Austin whose determination to bring the Lacey team to Grayshott never wavered. "They were absolutely amazing" she said, "the performance was everything I could have wished for". One can only hope that the St Luke' team, already building a reputation for excellence (and sizeable audiences) by hosting top quality music events will now add drama to their repertoire. I, for one, can hardly wait.

Contributed by Harriet Pierson