By Alan Bennett.
Director: Phil Astle.
This is one of Bennett’s more recent plays which, he says, was inspired by the ‘sense of unease’ he felt at being expected to buy into the role of reverential visitor on a National Trust house tour. The story concerns elderly sisters, considering giving their house to the National Trust. Or should they give it to the mysterious ‘concern’?
It’s a lovely, well-written and sharply observed piece. Bennett has a way of writing observational comedy based closely on real life, and this one is no exception.
The casting was just right. This is something Highbury Players always seem to do very well and I thought every member of the cast was brilliant.
I enjoyed the first couple of minutes where we were treated to a few facts about the 1980s, followed by a short video of the 2 elderly ladies sitting chatting on a bench. Then we were in fits of laughter immediately when Iris closed and reopened a white curtain while giving the audience the evil eye.
Maggie Lane was an absolute delight as Iris, the ‘companion’. She was very, very funny and has some lovely expressions. I absolutely loved her expression of utter shock when she saw the porn film being made. She also has impeccable timing.
Sandra Haynes was great as Dorothy, Lady Stacpoole. Perfect casting again. She was very believable as the former model, looking back on her heyday, wistfully wishing for something more, while wandering her home in fur coat, trainers and headscarf.
I very much enjoyed Annie Moseley as June, the other sister. I loved her panicky looks when the Bishop (played beautifully by David Weller) came to visit and there was a porn film going on in the background.
Simon Findlay was delightful as the smarmy auctioneer, Bevan, valuing the contents of the attic and trying to take advantage of the old ladies. Richard Constable was really funny as Bruce. He really looked the part in his ‘fat suit. I also loved Garry Cooper as Theodore, the delightfully camp porn-film director.
Dan Burnham, as Colin, was very naturalistic and delivered his lines perfectly. Alex Hunter was great as Brit and I thought both she and Dan were very brave to bare (nearly) all.
Ron Parker was an absolute treat as Les, the cynical cameraman. He’s a master of physical comedy and his sarcastic comebacks were really funny. Equally brilliant were Lucy Johnson as the sensitive Louise, Martin Walker as the National Trust representative; Ralph, and Kelvin McArdle as Nigel.
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating that bad direction is easy to see, but a good director is often the unsung hero of the piece. It’s easy to see that Phil Astle is in the latter camp and his masterful touches really added to our enjoyment. Timing was perfect, as was use of the stage.
Highbury Theatre has recently had a refurb and it was a real pleasure to be in the first audience to sit in the comfortable, custom-made new seats.
What a brilliant night out. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to look for a po with my name on!
Thank you Highbury Players for another night of amazing theatre.
Reviewed by – Lesley L
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