|
|
|
|
|
|
Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
|
|
Fine cast keep things buzzing
Home again: Felix Humble, played by Richard Cogzell returns after the death of his beekeeping father Humble Boy Highbury Players
*** CHARLOTTE Jones' Humble Boy, set in the
back garden of middle class, middle England, apparently won the Critics'
Circle Theatre Award for best new play in 2001. It's hard to imagine how because it is laden with
so many random themes and odd character traits that it feels like it's
still a first draft. Take for instance the meeting of the one-time
lovers Rosie Pye (Hannah Parry) and the main character Felix Humble,
ably played by (Richard Cogzell) who reunite after seven years. Unbeknown to Felix she has had and raised his
illegitimate child all alone, proclaims she no longer loves him, notes
he is overweight and then, although he protests, promptly drags him off
to the `long grass' to have sex. If this is life in the
Cotswolds then I am moving there as soon as possible. So, Astrophysicist Felix has returned to the
family home following the death of his beekeeping father James Humble.
He is, among other things, upset to find his uncaring mother, Flora, has got rid
of all of his father's belongings including the noisy `Humble
bees.' The first act goes through the process of
everyone explaining their past grievances and future intentions to each
other. The mysterious gardener Jim, played by Malcolm Robertshaw is
ignored by everyone, but is the only one who listens to and advises
Felix. Felix with his mother Flora played by Denise Phillips Also in the garden there's Mercy, the doting
friend of Flora, Rosie Pye the aforementioned old flame of Felix and her
boozy, blaspheming father George Pye. Georgy has, again unbeknown to Felix, been having
an affair with his mother for six years and we are told later it's with
the full approval of her deceased husband. Why he should allow
such a thing when we finally get to know the extent his love for her is
either oddly devised or perhaps another reason to live in the Cotswolds.
Humble Boy has some lofty intentions as it is strewn with explanations of advanced physics, botanical Latin and astronomy. The author has been accused of referencing Shakespeare's play
on the King of Denmark but often it's more ham fisted than Hamlet. The
first Act is largely spent bringing us all up to speed on past life
amongst the shrubbery of shrubs. Once all that's out of the way the
second Act begins the play in earnest. Denise Phillips was quite effective as the
waspish Flora Humble turning nicely into honey when the extent of her
deceased husbands' romantic legacy is finally revealed. Sheila Knapman
as the nervous friend Mercy, had her moment when she delivered a well
timed and comical mealtime grace. Nigel Higgs as Georgy Pye revelled in
the opportunity to get drunk and swear a lot although a final fight
scene with Felix was a little too Benny Hill to take seriously. There are a good few laughs along the way but the
final 15 minutes is where the real drama happens and it is both
touching, surprising and very well staged. It had me wishing that they had somehow grown
that kind of connection more often and planted it earlier on in the
production. Whilst the writing seems divisive and in need of a good
pruning, full credit must be given to the Highbury Players who poured
their hearts into this performance to keep the atmosphere buzzing and
make some sense of it all. Jeff Grant |
|
|
|
