Estelle Shutkever
‘Estelle has always called herself a farmer’s wife, and was as much at home with the sheep and the cows as she is on stage.
Starting her theatrical career at the tender age of eight as a sceneshifter in a school production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Her first play with Wythall was back in 1959 in ‘Random Harvest’.
Estelle is a true performer in the society and has enriched many of Wythall’s productions. One of Estelle’s early roles was in ‘St. Joan’ and she certainly made an impression – highlighted in the following review (Local Paper September 1962):
“Perhaps some of the players were a trifle overawed at appearing such reverential surroundings. But this was certainly not true of Estelle Shutkever, who played St. Joan. Hers was a towering performance, one of rare sensitivity and comprehension of all that the part called for. She played the 19-year-old Maid of Orleans as though she were a saint on earth.
The power with which she interpreted her role drove hard at the crux of the play: drawing on a vivid contrast between the godliness of this young girl and the fear-provoked attitude of the Church who must burn her at the stake because they sub-consciously see in her everything they should be but are not.”
Nevertheless, Estelle is as much at home playing comedy, as she is straight. During her time at Wythall she has played: Madame Arcati in ‘Blithe Spirit’, Emma Hornet in ‘Sailor Beware’, Sybil in ‘Separate Tables’, Madam Kapeck in ‘Bitter Sanctuary’ and the sinister psychic Helag Ten Dorp in ‘Death Trap’… and the list goes on.
A review from a Local Paper in 1963 especially noted Estelle’s performance in the comedy ‘Simon and Laura’:
“The actress who appeared to appreciate fully the humorous intentions of the playwright was Estelle Shutkever with her business like presentation of Janet Honeyman, a BBC scriptwriter.”
Estelle also performs in other companies and is very much in demand. Her skills are not just confined to onstage work, as she is keen to lend a hand to any other task that would aid the smooth running of a production. The company very much appreciate the work that Estelle does.
Estelle’s other roles for the Company show her to be as versatile as ever. She played the indomitable Mrs Hinson in the 2002 production of ‘Party Piece’ and skillfully played Ida in 2006 production of ‘Cemetery Club’.
Again in 2006, Estelle gave a brilliant performance in Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime. She played the part of the slightly eccentric Lady Clementina Beauchamp. Interestingly, Estelle also appeared in the 1970’s production of the play as Lady Windermere.
Estelle’s more recent and brilliant performances for Wythall include: Letty Blacklock in our fantastic production of ‘A Murder is Announced’ (November 2007), as Ouiser in ‘Steel Magnolias’ (May 2009) and Mrs Cropley in ‘Vicar of Dibley’ (May 2015). Estelle skillfully portrayed Ouiser as outwardly curmodgeonly but inwardly sensitive and caring:
“Estelle Shutkever’s wonderful softening of Ouiser throughout the performance was brought to fruition.”
Estelle was the Chairperson of the society (1991 to 1993) and provided support for all members through this role.
