Nub News editor Neil Speight reviews Thurrock Courts Players' latest production at the Thameside Theatre in Grays

I WAS privileged to be part of the audience at an extraordinary event in Thurrock this evening (Thursday, 9 June).

Over a journalistic career stretching back across more than four decades I have done my share of reviews of local community group theatrical productions.

And it would be fair to say that sometimes, for the sake of local harmony and in recognition of effort rather than talent, sometimes my words in retrospect have been kinder than they might have been.

There are no such platitudes in this review.

Tonight, I was present at a production with I can only describe as extraordinary.

The production of playwright Peter Morgan's 'The Audience' by Thurrock Courts Players wasn't just a homage by a local theatre group to Queen Elizabeth II at a time of national celebration – it was a riveting, entrancing production that exemplifies everything that is great about our local theatres.

Mark my words, the director of this piece, Luke Coldham, has produced a remarkable production – that certainly deserves to be playing to packed houses over the next two days.

Please, people of Thurrock, if you have ever watched a production of TV soap 'The Crown' and/or wondered about just what goes on in the corridors of power, book up for the remaining performances. Find the booking details here: https://thameside.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173624683 You will not be disappointed.

I attended with a little trepidation; I have to admit. I knew nothing of Mr Morgan's work which has graced the West End and won many awards. I thought it might be boring. Two lines in (a cracking joke about the 'ordinariness of John Major), I was hooked.

Normally in a review, one highlights the outstanding actors. That would be something of a disservice to an exemplary company of extremely talented actors who portray a half century and more's Prime Ministers and four female actors who present the different ages of our monarch.

Not only is it a history lesson (even if some of it is a presumptive summation rather than fact) it is witty, illuminating and thoroughly engrossing.

And what pushed it beyond the norm is the technical proficiency, for which much credit must got to director Luke Coldham. He has made a huge impression in local drama, musical and theatrical production in recent years - particularly as the resident Dame at Thameside pantos – but on this evidence he is destined for even greater things.

I was lucky enough to witness a couple of sessions when he was working with the cast and technical crew. They may, at times, have thought him a martinet, but the proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating and 'The Audience' is a sumptuous feast.

It's probably a production best enjoyed by someone who can remember Harold Wilson, Anthony Eden, and Winston Churchill (I am that old and I have to name Vic Gray for another stunning piece of work) but there is also probably something in this for every age – even if it's only to enjoy something local that reaches the highest of standards.

You can find out more about the production and all its component performers via the company's Facebookpage.

Have a look online to whet your appetite, but please then go and see for yourself. We have a little gem of a theatre at the Thameside and in Courts Players, its cast, its director and all the technical team from the Thameside who support them.

There's a saying ' You never know what you have missed until its gone'. The Thameside and Thurrock Courts Players should be with us for a long time to come.