One-act plays are the theatrical equivalent of a short story and require the same rules to work. Character and plot development must rely on established shorthand and the drama needs a twist. In the monologue Turning The Handle, Philippa Hammond portrayed an artless Edwardian lady recalling life and love in front of an early cinematograph, apparently never quite realising the effect of loosening draperies on her audience. It was a charming solo turn, written and directed to be beautifully out of kilter by Thomas Everchild.
Louise Schweitzer
The Argus