The novel ‘The Dice Man’ has been hailed as both a comic and a philosophical masterpiece and has yet never moved out of the rather limited circle of devoted fans. The main themes of fatalistic determination and the thinness of the line that separates the sane and the insane are carried from the novel to the play together with a number of interesting loosely connected sub plots that are alternatively humorous, crazy and gory.
 
I think that this performance is the first non professional one that there has been. To stage a new and interesting piece of work such as ‘The Dice House’ needs a high level of confidence and commitment which I think has been more than repaid to the club judging from the response that I saw from the audience’s appreciation of a difficult piece of work.
 
The play opens at Dr Drabbles office with a therapy session between the Psychiatrist and his patient. It soon becomes apparent that the manic crazy behaviour is coming from the Psychiatrist and that the quiet calm behaviour is that of the patient. The manic Dr Drabble was played almost over the top by Robert Harley while the calm patient was played with control by Richard Frampton. Drabble convinces Matthew that he has to abduct his estranged wife from the clutches of his erstwhile colleague Dr Ratner. We learn that Ratner has become a proponent of ‘dice therapy’ and practices out of an old house ‘The Dice House’ where a number of patients, including Mrs Drabble, are living.
 
The action moves to ‘The Dice House’ where we were introduced to a full range of ‘interesting’ characters:
 
The part of Dr Ratner was one of those roles that was both demanding and wonderful. He was rational yet mad, cross dressing and completely obsessed by the rule of the dice. The part was played convincingly and with great style by Stuart Butler.
 
Lisa was the seemingly rational young lady who fully believed that the house belonged to her as she had owned it in a previous life. This calm conviction was well conveyed by Rachel Tozer who was both attractive and mad.
 
Polly, Dr Drabbles estranged wife, seemed the model of sanity until she showed her complete submission to the rule of the dice. The part was played very sexily by Amanda Clarke.
 
Smith was portrayed as mad due to his belief that he is being pursued by an assassin. The part was played well by David Russell whose role was conveyed to the audience with the added benefit of the dramatic irony when we encountered the actual ‘slow assassin’.
 
Craig Abbott played the Slow Assassin with a combination of steely determination and black humour which made for a very watchable performance.
 
The madness of the play was compounded by the hugely entertaining intervention of Victor. Calmly, yet crazily portrayed by John Laing. He delivered a huge number of funny lines with the comic timing and demeanour that they deserved. Good acting.
 
The plays denouement, complete with some very gruesome moments left the audience in no doubt of the fickleness of life and the importance of chance or the role of dice. It also transpired that Lisa and Matthew had indeed been lovers and owners of ‘The Dice House’ in a previous life.
 
The technical aspects of the play were up to the club’s usual high standards. The set and the use of the acting space was very good. The action was varied throughout the performing area. The props were entirely in keeping with the play and supported the story. The costumes were convincing - particularly those worn with such grace by Dr Ratner. The severed limbs and general gory bits were also well done.
 
Stage management was unobtrusive and the transition between scenes was flawless.
 
The front of house team was, as usual, most welcoming and efficient as were the catering team. The programme and publicity material were a real departure from the club’s normal style. I thought that the programme was striking, colourful and interesting particularly the wacky biogs.
 
The club should be pleased with the reception of the play and the entertainment it gave the audience.
 
Well done to Orna Joseph for her direction and to Mark Stannett who bravely donned the mantle of Producer.