None The Wiser Play Analysis

Anthony Booth’s play, ‘None the Wiser’, is a fast paced comedy centring on a gang of expert shoplifters who think they have the perfect cover disguised as nuns. Trouble comes, when two nuns seeking accommodation appear at their front door. However, the newcomers aren’t what they appear to be either. Farcical in nature, the play is aimed purely at entertaining audiences through hyperbolic, extravagant, and thus improbable situations. The outcome is that anything that can go wrong will go wrong; and the process ultimately repeats itself. Reiterating the idea that perhaps we cannot pretend to be people we are not.

I was cast in the role of Vera; the ringleader of the shoplifting racket, doubled as ‘mother superior.’ Given the nature of her character,
I was casted in a particularly influential role, as one of the more prominent characters in the plot; this also gave me the opportunity to work extensively with each cast member, and venture into how these individual interactions would vary. I also endeavoured to be focused and dedicated throughout the entire rehearsal period, admittedly there were times when this level of attitude dropped, surrounded by such a lively ensemble. However, I thought the cast worked admirably well together; and I hope I was able to contribute to the supportive working environment that was established. Leading up to production week, the general consensus was the performance felt flat, and there was a certain lack of energy on stage. As a whole, this can largely be linked to the cast’s level of projection and stage presence. Ultimately, as actors we had to be constantly involved and present with the action unfolding to bring life to the story; this was a struggle after months of what seemed a repetitive and tiresome rehearsal process. Despite this, the cast was able to pull off a solid performance; and the audience’s presence re-sparked a lost spirit in the