A MODERN CLASSIC DONE WITH VIGOUR
Michael Frayn’s play-about-actors is always welcome: a comic masterpiece and loving study in theatre’s own absurdity. The first act shows a final limping rehearsal for a hackneyed trouser-dropping farce; the second a view from backstage halfway through the tour as we hear the play continuing while watching the cast’s jealousies and inadequacies creating mimed fury, mutual sabotage , violence and desperation to keep the whisky bottle and the oldest veteran apart. The third act is back onstage for a last performance which dissolves into helpless confusion.
Its brilliance lies both in satirizing its own profession and in the remorseless rhythm of returning lines and rising hoplessness. The challenge of turning round the set – twice – is especially fascinating in Douglas RIntoul’s touring production: it’s in partnership with Hornchurch, Theatre by the Lake and Théatres de la Ville de Luxembourgwhose Clio Van Aerde has created some clever movable sets: without a curtain the audience very much enjoyed watching high-efficiency stagehands hauling it all around, twice.
Altogether it is considerable fun, handling all the physical jokes beautifully – George Kemp’s tied-shoelace and downstairs tumble positively heroic – and Russell Richardson’s drunken old ham Selsden is a joy. But they’re all absolutely on-point and fearless. And goodness, in this play they have to be.
newwolseytheatre.co.uk to 24 may
TOURING:
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from Wednesday 28 May – Saturday 7 June
Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg from Friday 13 – Sunday 15 June
Theatre by the Lake from Wednesday 25 June – Saturday 26 July
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