The March on Russia - David Storey (Orange Tree Theatre)
Oct 8, 2017 10:09:03 GMT
foxa and Nicholas like this
Post by joem on Oct 8, 2017 10:09:03 GMT
Ignorance can be bliss. I turned up at the Orange Tree (the small sushi round the corner - Hanana - is possibly the finest value for money sushi currently in London, astonishingly good quality) with the vague idea I was going to see some epic politico/historical theatre stuff only to be confronted with a fine piece of observational writing on old age, families, love and affection and the secrets all families have.
The intimate nature of this space - at least if you're seated in the front row - brought me into the family home in a way which made me forgive how often I found myself staring for long periods at the back of one of the actors' heads.
Storey's writing here, especially in the first half, is uncannily spot-on, especially in the marital sparring which survives the dimming of passion, the point at which joy becomes laughter. The constant bickering between the old couple, a sparring which can be affectionate but also turn sour at a moment's notice, was captured perfectly. Ian Gelder and Sue Wallace, as the elderly Pasmores, were both perfect in their roles. This is a very funny but also poignant and bittersweet piece.
Regrettably I attended the last performance, so my recommendation to everyone to go and see it is entirely academic.
The intimate nature of this space - at least if you're seated in the front row - brought me into the family home in a way which made me forgive how often I found myself staring for long periods at the back of one of the actors' heads.
Storey's writing here, especially in the first half, is uncannily spot-on, especially in the marital sparring which survives the dimming of passion, the point at which joy becomes laughter. The constant bickering between the old couple, a sparring which can be affectionate but also turn sour at a moment's notice, was captured perfectly. Ian Gelder and Sue Wallace, as the elderly Pasmores, were both perfect in their roles. This is a very funny but also poignant and bittersweet piece.
Regrettably I attended the last performance, so my recommendation to everyone to go and see it is entirely academic.
