Gunsmoke

Nash Theatre has developed the habit of having a radio play as their first production of the year and so it was this year.  This takes the audience back to the days before television when radio was king. The first production of this show was in 1952 and it was so different from previous efforts. True to the title, this broadcast is broken into three episodes – Start of a Legend, Bloody Hands and Chester’s Dilemma. Naturally the action takes place in the days of the wild west in America with outlaws, a marshal and every other type of wheeler dealer of that time.  Oh, and a couple of good looking ladies to play the game of love.

Director Eddie Bruce had little to worry about with the movement of the cast other than the coming to the right microphone but he did to have accents  precise with every member and to convey the meaning and emotion fully in the voices . For the most part this was well achieved. Floating round in the background were the sound effects people who did a good job but were a little distracting at times. The galloping horses were great.

Of the cast of eleven, Sam Herde was outstanding in her numerous roles and had great support from Lulia Cox in the other female roles.  The main voice belonged to Stuart Loudon who was Marshall Matt Dillon, the key character of the play. He was very steady in the part but more variations in pace and emotion would have enhanced the effects, so crucial for the end result.  Congratulations to the other actors for their clear consistent vocal efforts, eg Tyson Hargreaves who developed as Chester, and David Hill who was the Doc and announcer.  Generally well done by all.

Judging by this radio play, it was great not to be in Wild West at that time as you may not have survived.  The audience survived happily tonight after another very good radio play production. Nash Theatre has this down to a fine art so take the chance to listen and see.

William Davies