Cranford at the Lighthouse, Poole
Review by Edna Hobbs
The question I asked myself about Cranford was would it be worth the paperwork to bring an A-level or top GCSE class to see, rather than showing them the excellent BBC production on DVD. The play opens with Mrs Gaskell narrating conversationally to set the scene for one of several ‘flashbacks’ which tell the story of the ladies of Cranford, particularly the selfless Miss Matty.
Witty moments and phrases in the script like ‘progress marched upon tip-toes’ and ‘men have always foreseen events after they’ve happened’, linger in the mind like chocolate in the corner of the mouth. The humour is in the interplay between the demands of social convention of the small town middle class and their humanity, for better or worse.
With the exception of Ben Roberts, who was a charming and endearing Mr Hoggins, I felt the other characters were too obviously being enacted. Though I warmed to them, particularly Linda Armstrong as a vivacious Lady Glenmire, I was always aware of the artifice.
While I enjoyed the show, the answer to my initial question is sadly, ‘no’. However, for me it is always worth watching a live production as I enjoy the process of evaluating the ideas brought to the text by the ensemble; I can certainly recommend it as a night out for teachers who want something comforting to relax in front of.
Cranford national tour dates include w/c January, 24 Cheltenham, March 1st, Worthing March 7th, Wolverhampton, March 14th Windsor, , then 12th April, Crewe, 19th Cardiff, 3rd May Harrogate, 16-18 May Lincoln, 19-21st Buxton. See your local theatre for details.