Clerical Errors


The Evening Telegraph - May 2002

HUMOUROUS TALE REFLECTS LIFE TODAY
Review by Jan Souter

Clerical Errors, the latest production of the season for Dundee Dramatic Society, began its run at the Little Theatre, Dundee, at the weekend, writes Jan Souter.

Set in a disused Methodist church in rural England, the play is a humorous tale reflecting present day issues.

Visiting the church to collect hymnbooks one December morning, a shock is in store for Mrs Martin (Kathleen Mochan), mother of the church;s former cleric James Martin (Paul Morgans), and his prissy fiancee Sylvia Grey (Dorothy Culloch). The events which ensue change attitudes and lives.

Heading the cast is Tricia Stewart, who gives another fine performance as feisty, rebellious teenager Julie Briggs, as does Joyce Lindsay as her gin-swilling gran and Niall Dalson as her rather gormless brother Pete.

Jonathan Gall portrays widower of dubious character Theodore Brown, and Dorothy Devine is convincing as social worker Miss Pearson.

A few first night flutters were in evidence but overall this is a light-hearted play to sit back and enjoy in the comfortable, welcoming newly-refurbished auditorium.



The Courier And Advertiser - May 2002

SOCIETY'S PLAY LOOKS AT THE MISERY OF HOMELESSNESS
Review

THE PLIGHT of the homeless is one that touched everyone's heart and Dundee Dramatic Society's latest production, Clerical Errors, brings the problem to the fore as a homeless family take up residence in a disused Methodist Chapel, writes a critic.

The fiesty Julie, played with energy by Tricia Stewart, tries to look after Granny (Joyce Lindsay) and her brother, given an endearing performance by Niall Dalson.

The squatters prove a stiff challenge for the minister, his mother and his fiancee.

Dorothy Culloch as the latter proved to be the practical one while the sympathic minister (Paul Morgans) is too soft-hearted to solve the problem. Kathleen Mochan's character, while disapproving, shows motherly concern for the hapless family. Jonathan Gall plays an irate neighbour and the rule-bound social worker is well played by Dorothy Devine.

The disused chapel is realised using stage and auditorium to good effect. Clerical Errors, directed by Harry Devine, runs all this week at the Little Theatre.

© D C Thomson & Co., Ltd 2002

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