PROGRESS Premiers returned with two fresh new plays from budding writers in a double-bill production.
The first of them, Moles, follows a new recruit as they enter the fray of British railway supervision in an underground station during the World War II.
Among them is a mole, feeding information to the enemy, and suspicions soon grow over their identity.
The typing pool have their suspicions about the upper echelons while higher-ups consider the possibility that the new recruit could be who they’re looking for.
While a larger cast means a certain amount of introduction, each character is distinct and vibrant enough that they stand apart.
The relationships between the main protagonists, especially Ava – played by Charlotte Emily Hardick – shine with humour, thanks both to the performances and the contemporary though deft dialogue.
Mr Morgan is particularly well portrayed by Ken Deeks, who boasted an assured performance peppered through with dry humour, making the most of his sporadic appearances through the production.
The play concludes with the discovery of the mole, providing a satisfying conclusion which shows a lot of promise in the work’s author, Sarah Wright.
It was succeeded by Dirt, which follows the exploits of a grave-digging family who find more than they bargained for in a coffin one night.
With one more body than expected, it explores the identity of the woman found and her relationship to the family while she was alive.
Drew Cleghorn gives a particularly enjoyable portrayal of Charlie and Rose, played by Amy Taulbut, sparkles with humour and pathos throughout.
The parts of the play which explore the now-deceased Rose’s life are gripping, both in their implications for the present, but also due to the emotional investment in the tragic character.
Some clever set work, a calling card for Progress Theatre, compliments the play excellently, including an underground tunnel which sells the setting of the story effectively.
Dirt also shows a great deal of promise from its author, Caroline White, especially for finding the voice of characters, demonstrating a good ear for dialogue.
Overall, both productions show that Progress is still the best for budding writers and performers, fostering new talent and bringing rising stars to the fore so that they may shine.
Progress Theatre is bringing The Importance of Being Earnest to the Abbey Ruins this summer, running from Wednesday-Saturday, July 17-27.
Full details and tickets available via: progresstheatre.co.uk/reading-open-air
