|
|
|
|
|
|
September in the Rain Malvern Theatres **** MAYBE it was because it was a rainy
September night when I saw this performance, or because I had recently
experienced a jolly old trip to Blackpool, but this play struck a
particular chord with me. With the illuminated tower in the background and
talk of Blackpool rock, fish and chips and a rather shabby B&B, it will
bring back chuckles of fond memories to anyone who has experienced the
"Las Vegas of the north". But even if you haven't, this gentle, very
northern comedy written and directed by award-winning John Godber (of
Bouncers, Up'n'Under and Salt of the Earth fame) has an enchantment
about it. The play is a bittersweet look back at elderly
couple Jack and Liz's memories of annual visits to Blackpool from when
they first met to their final stay - nearly always bickering, but always
in love. It's the normality and comedy in everyday actions
that is at the core of this two hour show. Like silly arguments over
petty things, the ridiculousness of cleaning the house before you go on
holiday and walking in the rain for hours after a squabble. Godber
brings out the humour in them all. Liz is excitable and optimistic, while coal miner
Jack is dour and uncompromising, and together they are a storybook on
married life, work, expectations and holidays in predominantly the
1950s. With just the two leads on stage, it needed
strong character actors to carry this off, who came in the shape of
former Brookside star Claire Sweeney and comedian John Thomson, from
Cold Feet and Waterloo Road. Their acting showed much more depth than some of
their television roles have demanded and it was impressive how swiftly
they changed in age and also transformed into characters the couple meet
on their adventures. Very similar in style to an Alan Bennett play,
September in the Rain gently tells you a story. A story of a couple and
a story of Blackpool that will leave you with a comforting, warm
feeling. To 14-09-13. Alison Brinkworth |
|
|
|