Bonaventure has been performed a couple of times in Ferndown Drama Group. Back in 1980 and again in 2007.

ECHO REVIEW FOR 2007 PRODUCTION A Fen-tastic show By Lyn Richell Comment BONAVenture is set in 1947 in the convent of Our Lady of Rheims, a nursing order near Norwich. A flood in the Fen country has trapped two prison officials and their prisoner, Sarat Carn, who is on her way to the gallows for the murder of her brother. In spite of the evidence, Sister Mary Bonaventure is certain of Sarat's innocence and sets out to prove it. The direction was assured throughout the play, which was well paced, although at times there was masking which really should not have happened on such a large stage. The set was very good and provided the necessary atmosphere, except for the black ash desk and cupboard which would not have been available in the 1940s. The whole cast never once stepped out of character and worked together well, bringing life to a difficult piece of theatre, which certainly held my attention throughout. The part of Willy Pentridge, played by Nigel King, brought humour and realism to a very-well-thought-out performance. Dawn Hollington as Sarat Carn was excellent as the condemned woman but the top marks must go to Trish Binding as Sister Mary Bonaventure whose portrayal of this demanding role was subtle and quietly assured.

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE REVIEW FOR 2007 PRODUCTION Banaventure, Barrington Theatre, Ferndown The Choice of Bonaventure by Charlotte Hastings as the autumn play for Ferndown Drama Group was a bold one and cast members rose to the challenge with commitment. Director Martin Bellchamber took the action at a steady pace and built the tension gradually throughout all three acts. The scene is set in a wintry Norfolk during 1947 when floods are threatening the village of Denzil St David. At At the convent of Our Lady of Reimes, the nuns and nurses prepare to offer villagers sanctuary within the nursing order, supervised by the Mother Superior. She is played with calm dignity by Gill Greaves while Sister Josephine - a delightfully cheerful Micki Bennett - prepares her delicious onion soup to comfort the displaced persons. The Matron, Sister Mary Bonaventure, also sets about the preperations for looking after those in need although she is full of doubts of her spirituality and future at teh convent. Trish Binding is outstanding as Sister Mary, her quiet demeanour and radiant face belying inner turbulence; sh is riveting to watch. Dawn Hollington excels as Sarat Carn, the convicted murderess whose prison group has been diverted on the way back From London following a failed appeal against the death sentence. Whether angry or tearful, Dawn commands the stage and with firey red hair, and dramatic temperament, she presents a contrast to Sister Mary. Yet the two women are in harmony with anguish in their souls and the Pivotal scenes between them are gripping. In a supporting role as the physically strong but emotionally disturbed Willy, it is encouraging to see Nigel King give a fine performance and more will b seen if this young man. As the older Dr Jeffereys who hides a guilty secret, Chaz Davenport is entirely convincing an Pauline Smith impresses in the cameo role of Martha. The Standard of acting all through this wordy play was high and Ferndown Drama Group deserves congratulations on a worthy performance. Look out for them in the future.