THEATRE REVIEWS

What better way to spend time than to watch fine actors perform a brilliant piece of writing for the benefit of appreciative people. This is what happened at the Round in Scarborough as Alan Ayckbourn let the audience look at the life of people outside their own situation in Affairs in a Tent. Not believing that they are in some way looking at themselves, they experience amusing cameos of life which are not comical to those concerned, but deeply hurting and relevant.

Celia takes a different route to her inevitable conclusion, in this play of headmaster's wife who is tempted and drawn through a story, that you will have come across before. Her husband Toby wanders through his life of domestic and academic stress made by his own endeavours and dedication. A troubled Miles, chairman of the governors, goes along with the antics of his wayward wife as he tries to do the right thing. The school caretaker Lionel tempts the women and muddles his way through life. Sylvie, the home help, is taken for granted by all concerned, but they all rely on her. Irene is that school governor, who has swopped a horse for any other relationship and is co-opted on to all the committees going. These are the people Ayckbourn writes about and weaves his spell for a talented cast to portray.

Claudia Elmhirst and Bill Champion are brilliant as they bring the words to life and make you believe that the theatre is full of actors leaving and entering the stage. Tim Luscombe directs with a skill seldom seem on the stage today as he gets it just right, with Alan Ayckbourn not too far in the background. Even the stage crew give the audience entertainment as they slickly rebuilt the sets designed by Michael Holt.

If you want to learn how to make a tomato sandwich or ride a bike this is the place to be at. Listen to the superb speeches on the affairs of today uttered by Toby or how to deteriorate into a mental breakdown as Celia does. No words are enough to praise these two actors as they show us every trick in the book in perfect English diction.

Brilliant. Miss this play and regret it for the rest of your life. It all happens in the north of England. © BA

“Affairs in a Tent” is in repertory at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 27th July until the 21st September, 2006. This is a No Smoking theatre.