Post by mkb on Sept 30, 2022 1:49:08 GMT
The 2001 novella of the same name by Alan Bennett has been transformed into a present-day, new comedy by Adrian Scarborough, who also stars along with Sophie Thompson. They play Maurice and Rosemary Ransome. He's a solicitor set in his ways. She's a housewife unsatisfied in hers. Unexpected turmoil is thrust upon them early in Act 1, but the repercussions are felt entirely differently by husband and wife.
It's Rosemary's story more than it is Maurice's, and Thompson takes the audience on a believable journey of discovery that has moments of poignancy amid the comic chaos.
A supporting cast of three cover several minor roles each.
The writing feels more like an Ayckbourn than a Bennett, and the tale is never less than engrossing.
It's difficult to say quite why I didn't enjoy this more. It's a solid three stars, and there is much to smile at. But that's just it: I was smiling when I should have been laughing. I think the humour is on the page; it just hasn't all found its way on to the stage. A director with a better sense of comedic timing could help. The clunkiness of the set changes slowed the narrative momentum somewhat.
With a bigger budget and some tweaks, I'd expect this to have a future life on a grander stage. It would also make a fine Ealing-comedy-style film.
Three stars.
Act 1: 19:36-20:38
Act 2: 21:02-21:56
It's Rosemary's story more than it is Maurice's, and Thompson takes the audience on a believable journey of discovery that has moments of poignancy amid the comic chaos.
A supporting cast of three cover several minor roles each.
The writing feels more like an Ayckbourn than a Bennett, and the tale is never less than engrossing.
It's difficult to say quite why I didn't enjoy this more. It's a solid three stars, and there is much to smile at. But that's just it: I was smiling when I should have been laughing. I think the humour is on the page; it just hasn't all found its way on to the stage. A director with a better sense of comedic timing could help. The clunkiness of the set changes slowed the narrative momentum somewhat.
With a bigger budget and some tweaks, I'd expect this to have a future life on a grander stage. It would also make a fine Ealing-comedy-style film.
Three stars.
Act 1: 19:36-20:38
Act 2: 21:02-21:56