I have long since been a fan of amateur dramatics, so when the chance came to review The Bridges of Madison County by the Mossley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (MAODS), I approached the performance with a healthy mix of trepidation and anticipation.
The story has multiple points of reference from its many adaptations – firstly the 1992 novel by Robert James Waller, closely followed a few years later by the 1995 motion picture starting Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, finally being adapted as a stage musical in 2013. And it’s easy to see why there has been multiple iterations of this story across the years that have captured the hearts and minds of audiences and performers alike.
For those unfamiliar with the story of The Bridges of Madison County, it’s about an Italian expat Francesca, who leaves her native Naples during the war and settles in Madison County, rural Iowa. She marries loveable but simple farmer Bud and has two children together but is tainted with homesickness and thoughts of what life might have been if she’d stayed in Italy. During a weekend hiatus while her husband and children are away, in walks dashing stranger Robert Kincaid, and the sensual love affair that follows threatens to derail all of their lives.
The director of this performance – Neil Coe – has been open in his admiration for the film, admitting that it has heavily influenced his understanding and interpretation of MAODS’ production. However, it’s clear that he has taken nuances of his own to bring it to life. In his own words: “The staging is simplistic and fluid to represent the film’s beauty”. This is clear in simplistic abundance and was a master stroke for the fluidity of the performance.
While the director and all the production team did a remarkable job of bringing the story to life, special mention has to be given to choreographer Katherine Farrow, lighting designer Aaron Smith, and musical director Simon Mercer Murray – all 3 elements juxtaposed beautifully together to create a highly nuanced performance.
Next comes the cast – never before have I seen such a talented ensemble in an amateur production. Such was the quality of the performances, I often forgot that I was not watching trained professionals treading the boards. Naturally, the story’s protagonists were sensational – Gary Jones as Robert Kincaid was a strong male lead, while Laura Meredith-Hoyle as Francesca Johnson had a voice that left me with goosebumps at points. What’s more, their chemistry (thanks in part to the wonderful choreography and stage direction) was palpable. Among other standouts included Mary Barrett-Doyle as Francesca’s daughter Carolyn, Helen Claire Rose as Marian, and the delightfully eccentric Samantha Griffiths, who provided the story’s only real comic relief as batty neighbour Marge.
All in all, this performance had it all – stellar acting, spellbinding vocals, and simplistic staging that left plenty of room for the story to take centre stage. I would highly recommend both this performance and any future performances by the Mossley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society to anyone looking for a night of amateur theatre at its very best.
The Bridges of Madison County is performing from 24th to 29th April 2023 at George Lawton Hall, Mossley. https://maods.org/
Reviewer: Hannah Wilde
Reviewed: 24th April 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★