NODA Show Report by Stuart McCue-Dick (NODA Scotland Regional Representative)
 I was delighted to be asked by Threepenny Theatricals to attend their second production ‘Dear Brutus’ by JM Barrie. Better known as the author of ‘Peter Pan’ this play has sometime been described as ‘Peter Pan for grown-ups’.
Set on Midsummer Eve in a mysterious English country house we gradually, through the first act, meet a group of strange house guests unsure why they have been invited. The only thing they have in common is a desire to have a second chance. The second act sees them given this chance in a magical wood before act three sees them return to the present time to reflect on what had happened.
From the very opening moments of the play the audience were treated to a wonderful display of acting and characterisation by everyone on stage. Each member of the cast captured the very essence of their character and maintained that at all times on stage. This is very much an ensemble piece and there were no weak links. I believed in every character and was drawn into the action by them – I wanted to find out more about them. Testimony to all of this was the absolute still of the audience throughout the play – the actors had us captivated from start to finish.
The set, built and in the main furnished by the cast, was evocative of both the location and era and was greatly enhanced by well designed lighting. An added layer was the sound scape – I particularly liked the constant tick of the grand-father clock in the house which added to the realism of the piece. All of this was complimented by costumes appropriate to both the individual characters and the time period.
It is great to see drama alive and well within NODA – keep up the excellent work. On the night I was there it was a small but appreciative audience – this play deserved a full house every night.