Our Am Dram Star of the Week is Keith Clarke, a member of Bridgnorth Player, who’s appearing in Nude with Violin
The works of the master of satire, Noel Coward, remain as popular as ever amongst amateur groups. His intelligent wit and ability to shock know no boundaries.
Our Am Dram Star of the Week is Keith Clarke, a member of Bridgnorth Player, who’s appearing in Noel’s satire on modern art, Nude with Violin, from May 11 at Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley, May 12 at Quatt Village Hall and May 18 Chelmarsh Parish Hall and finally on May 19 at Bridgnorth Community Hall. It’s a Shropshire tour.
Keith is playing the role of Sebastian, a valet and companion to the world-famous painter, Paul Sorodin. On his death, Paul’s greedy relatives and business manager await their ill-gotten gains, but Sebastian steps in to muddy the waters.
Noel wrote this part for himself and so Keith has spent time studying clips of the master at work in order to perfect his Oxford English accent.
“There are no recordings of the play,” says Keith, “but I decided to do a poor man’s impression of Sebastian, as it seems to fit the character perfectly.”
“Nude with Violin is an unusual title. It is the name of the painting that the plot revolves around. The picture we use was actually painted by one of the cast members. I think the use of the word “nude” might add an edge of sauciness when marketing the play. And reading the lines and between the lines my character and his master, the dead artist, have certainly lead colourful lives.”
I ask Keith what his thoughts were on Noel Coward works and characterisations.
He says: “I love Brief Encounter. A perfect moment of middle class life in the 1940s captured on film. I also watched The Italian Job where Noel plays a criminal. Very useful! He’s also portrayed very effectively in Goodnight Sweetheart, and I used this impersonation to inspire my own.”
This is Keith’s first performance with Bridgnorth Players, although he has extensive experience in both performing, writing and directing. Does he prefer comedy or straight acting though?
“I prefer drama,” says Keith. “It’s easier! Extracting that laugh from a line that you didn’t even know was funny is very rewarding, but also very difficult.
“Stage fright is a real thing. It may only be amateur theatre, but people have paid to be there and given up their time to watch you, so they deserve to see the best performance possible. Standing in the wings is always nerve racking.”
l For tickets for Nude with Violin, visit www. bridgnorthplayers.wordpress.com or call 01746 767425.
