"Last night I attended Shuswap Theatre’s new production: The Virgin Trial. And I have thoughts. Naturally, I assumed you would all care to know.

Upon entering the theatre, I was a bit concerned. The stage was sparse, and that always worries me a bit. A table, a checkboard floor, a few faux-antique chairs… what could they possibly do with it? Luckily, as the theatre often does, I was reminded again that creativity knows no bounds and sometimes things are not always as they seem. Without giving too much away, my first accolade goes to the lighting design. The brilliant use of light and screen transformed the seemingly one-dimensional stage into both dark and private places. The trickery was excellent.

Moving on to the acting - really, pretty well done. The Virgin Trial is not a feel-good, family-friendly production. The actors worked with strong themes including emotional, physical and political control, manipulation and torture. Ted (Oliver Becker) was clearly a seasoned actor with his beguiling and booming presence. Parry, played by Kyle Herrewynen brought humor and humility. Mary (Shannon Kehl) helped firmly plant this play in a contemporary context with her edgy street fashion and hip-hoppity, swaying hip entrances. Eleanor was just plain mean, which I have heard, is quite the opposite to the Julia Body most know. Amanda Maygard, playing governess Ashley, certainly stretched her acting wings with this one… and kept them up. Thom, played by Uther Radcliffe brought his slightly quirky personality to his character, and it was believable. Finally, the young Princess, Bess. Shayla Diekert brought all the grace, poise and innocent beauty that only young women really can, and I loved her costumes. If I was to offer any feedback, I encourage the cast to play a bit more, now that they are settled into their roles. As a good friend recently said to me, regardless of the theme and tone of the play, the whole point is to have fun doing it.

There was only one area that really took me out of this play, and that was occasionally with the sound design. The music choices were incredible. The sound effects were spooky, set the mood and worked for the most part, but they were often all coming from the same speaker, at the same volume, and occasionally overpowered the actors.

I believe Director Elizabth Ann Skelhorne has provided Salmon Arm with a real piece of dramatic art, and I hope you will all go and see the production so we can argue over my critiques."

Jennifer Chernecki

"Watched the TOTE Fringe fest here. Really great festival. Nice little theatre"

Jerry Ward

"Just got home from going to see Outside Mulligar. What a great plate. The cast was amazing. It was funny and heart warming. If you haven't gone to see it yet.. best be getting your tickets right away."

Jennifer Murphy