Theatre Review: A Perfect Likeness, St Bees Village Hall

A Perfect Likeness by Daniel Rover Singer

By Ken Powell

This review site, manned by a small but dedicated band of theatre-lovers, has fairly strict parameters. We cover theatres in the north of England and try to promote the best. We’re supportive of theatre and so never write damning reviews (we prefer silence if we can’t say something good). But while we do promote both amateur and professional theatre, we usually only review live productions taking place in actual theatres.

Occasionally, however, one has to break the rule. That happened on Friday night at St Bees Village Hall.

I was ‘off duty’, attending an event at my own local hall which often puts on some excellent evenings. When I arrived I was rather surprised to find one end transformed into a super stage setting; and later, I was rather delighted with the performance which ensued.

The Conn Artists Theatre Company was founded in 2013 out of a desire to keep regional touring theatre alive. Having weathered the pandemic, they’re still kicking and – through Arts Out West – came to our little village.

This two-man play is based on the imaginary premise that the Rev. Charles L. Dodgson (better known as Lewis Carroll) and Charles Dickens may well have known each other. They were contemporaries and both very popular in their day, so it is possible. Their characters, however, were very different. It is this very difference which becomes the centre of attention as the story progresses. Ostensibly, the story is of Dodgson simply attempting to make a photograph – a ‘perfect likeness’ – of Dickens. In reality, both men explore their difficult and rather alternative lifestyles.

Daniel Rover Singer has done an excellent job of creating a play which blends comedy with a light touch while not avoiding the darker issues of Dodgson’s photography hobby. While the subject matter could be distasteful, he manages to handle both characters sympathetically and it is rather enjoyable to watch. Full credit to the playwright for treading that line well.

Of course, it is the actors themselves who pull it off. David Stephen is entirely believable as the irreverent Dickens and, as you would expect, owns the stage. Ross Muir, as Dodgson, makes a shy, but excellent, foil. There is much fun as the two very different men offend and misunderstand one another. But there is also great respect and growing friendship between the two which is touching and convincingly portrayed.

There is a third player in this two-man play, however, who must be praised for his work. Matthew Pike is the production manager and lighting designer for the company and ran the lights on the night, squeezed into a corner of the hall with computer-controlled gear. His work was perfect and meant that the hall truly was transformed into an intimate theatre easily akin to that of nearby Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake’s studio, famed for its brilliantly intimate productions there. It is this superb rigging which enabled me to ‘break the rules’ and compose this review, for Conn Artists don’t just perform in halls and the like – they bring the theatre itself into each venue. I would not have believed that possible had I not seen it with my own eyes.

The result was an unexpected delight. A superb performance with marvellous set (designed by Laura Kimber), excellent acting, magical lighting and a script that was on point. If you’re wondering about hiring such a performance for your own hall, you’ll want to see if this company is touring in your area. And if not, you should go to Conn Artist’s website and see if they’re performing near you – then book a ticket to go see it. It’s a gem.

A Perfect Likeness is touring until March 2023. For venue listings and other details, go to their website here.