The Caretaker - Chichester

There was an occasional high-pitched ringing sound at some points - I'd assumed it was something to do with the soundscape, bit like that sound specified for the Cherry Orchard??? As for the production, I thought it was ok but not great; first time I've seen Aston played as Frank Spencer, and I realised what an empty part the other brother is - just a series of increasingly tiresome verbal riffs, deliberately contradictory, but no real sense of an actual human being behind them, unlike Aston and Davies...

After a break of nearly 2 years, it was great to be back in beautiful Chichester and the CFT for this afternoon’s performance. I have always enjoyed my trips out to here and making the most of both the break from the train strikes and the good weather we finally seem to be getting, I made the most of it and booked a last minute visit to finally see this classic Pinter play. I am really glad I made the effort to make the journey. I would highly recommend visiting the city, a great place and a wonderful setting to watch some great theatre as well. 

From reading the programme notes, I was surprised to learn that this is the first directorial offering from new CFT AD Justin Audibert. From my viewing, I had a great time today and Justin and his team have done a really good job with this production. I found it to be a well acted, crafted and engaging production that was getting some really positive feedback from the audience members discussing it on their way out after the show. Walking into the auditorium you are immediately faced with a fantastic set design from Stephen Brimson Lewis that fills the entire stage space. It is both filthy and cluttered with objects that allow the audience to become fully immersed in both the environment and the story. It is backed by a dark lighting design that helps intensify the emotional impact of the proceedings. The only criticism I would have is the sound design. Some of the music that is used to help transition scenes feels out of place with the mood of the scene that has just proceeded it. I also heard some clanging / banging noises during the show, mainly during Act 1. I am guessing this was part if the intended sound design rather than being an actual physical issue with the theatre. Overall, the play works really well in the smaller venue as you are up close to proceedings and get a real claustrophobic feel to the piece. There is nothing fancy with this production which allows both the text and performances to take centre stage.

McDiarmid, Gillen and Riddiford really were a joy to watch and had great on stage chemistry and energy and emotion that never let up. Having seen Ian in a few things and hsve never been disappointed, this continued today. Bringing his wealth of experience, he gracefully moved between the comedy and the more manipulative and emotionally charged moments with ease whilst bringing a physicality to the role that belies his nearly 80 years of age. Like all great actors, he said so more with just a look or a sound than could ever be said with words. Alongside Ian, Adam Gillian’s Act 1 closing monologue was a real top class performance and standout moment. In those few minutes, you could hear a pin drop as Adam owned that stage. Making up the trio was Jack as elder brother Mick, a bit of a Del-Boy character who dares to dream big, but doesn’t quite make it. 

Rating - 4 ⭐️

Glad you enjoyed it Dave B. It’s a great venue and as you say I don’t think you would get a bad seat even on the back rows.