Thought-provoking theatre

For their September production New Era offer this thought-provoking play; one which leaves you thinking long after you leave the theatre.

The play rests on the interactions between three couples, starting with Hilary and Bron. He has betrayed his homeland, yet in exile he has created a small patch of England to live in.

Richard Tripp conveyed something of the frustration of this tired ex-spy, a self-centred snob thoroughly bored by his genteel imprisonment. Jacqui Trumper gave a likeably rounded performance as his wife, more sociable and torn between her husband and a wish to return home.

It’s a wish that will surprisingly be granted during a visit from relatives Veronica and Duff, played by Lucinda Lane-Hill and David Tute. Their arrival brought humour and vigour to the action, and they both maintained a captivating panache throughout. Eric and Olga were somewhat fringe characters, but well portrayed by Gareth Croft and Val Gladkova. They were instrumental in revealing some of the tensions between Hilary and Bron, and later in effecting their eventual repatriation.

This is Bennett’s study of Englishness. Although set in rural Russia, the play’s main protagonist is really England. Like Rebecca and Godot, the eponymous entity is much discussed but never actually present.

And the country is certainly ageing – declining in the opinion of both Veronica who lives there and brother Hilary who has been away for 15 years. There are no Lyons Tea Houses and the WI “isn't what it was”. The many contemporary references to mid-70s Britain give a true sense of period to the action.

A small cast means lots to learn for the actors. As well as mastering most of the lines, they all displayed excellent technique in using the ‘fourth wall’, gazing into the auditorium to watch and hail unseen characters passing by.

The set was excellent. Director Ann Davidson had her team well prepared and confident. This was clearly a labour of love for her, and the result is cause for considerable satisfaction.

MIKE BROOK