THEATRE REVIEWS

The cigarette is not taken and then you know you are off on a different journey through these Intimate Exchanges. This is a cleverly observed, masterly piece of writing by Alan Ayckbourn that allows "A One Man Protest" to take place. You will have seen all these people, if not been one of them, as Ayckbourn guides you through this public school backed play. The characters are to be found all around you, but they utter words of wisdom from today's world that throw these home truths at you thick and fast.

Celia, beautifully played by Claudia Elmhirst, is the duty driven wife of Toby Teasdale, headmaster of this ever demanding school that he has lost faith with, being ever preoccupied with being a "grumpy old man". Miles Coobes, the nervous chairman of the governors, cleverly played by Bill Champion, is run ragged by his wife Rowena as she keeps the local squash club fit. We have the help Sylvie, who temps, and is the girlfriend of Lionel Hepplewick, the hapless school caretaker who has hidden depths. It is now a question of mixing this brew and seeing what happens, but you will not be disappointed.

Time Luscombe directs, with Alan Ayckbourn not far in the background, as they guide their actors about Michael Holt's ever functional, metamorphosing set of grass, superimposed terrace or gravestones.

"I wish all the actors could have taken their bows at the end, but I suppose some were not able to do so being so wet through or lacking in clothes", so said one member of the audience as they left the theatre, not realising that two actors filled all the roles, so convincing were their performances. What quality of acting was displayed here and there is more to come. When the people of Yorkshire have had enough of these plays someone will parcel them up and send them to London so that they can experience this ever fresh look at life. Do not miss this play. © BA

“A One Man Protest” is in repertory at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 5th May until the 23rd September, 2006. This is a No Smoking theatre.