THEATRE REVIEWS

Undetectable character changes set the tone of this superbly scripted evening of theatre. The two actors give memorable performances as they interpret Alan Ayckbourn at his best, in this updated revival of an eight play set that make up these Intimate Exchanges. This one has the title "Events on a Hotel Terrace" and gives a kick start to this season of eagerly anticipated plays. All those people in the south of the country will be denied this quality of theatre if they do not make the effort to see what is in store for them in the North of England.

Ayckbourn has the audience waiting on his every word as Celia Teasdale, superbly played by Claudia Elmhirst, a taken for granted housewife, is tempted by someone unusual as she puts up with her lot as the wife of the headmaster of a minor public school. The headmaster Toby, is played with masterly observation by Bill Champion, as he delivers two of the best speeches observing the people and events of today that you will hear this year; they both reflect this man's lost aim in life. Now the misfit of a potential lover is played by the same actor, but you will find it hard to realise that, so well characterised is this man's work.

A very nice piece of set design by Michael Holt allows the stage staff to have their moment of glory, but it will happen when you least expect it and in semidarkness, so keep alert. The direction is a two man job with Tim Luscombe sharing the duties with Alan Ayckbourn and what a fine job they make of it.

As always with this playwright you will experience your own life going past you, maybe not quite in this sequence or as these characters, but bits will go past your eyes and you will remember them later when you least expect it. All the characters here have conflict, it effects everyone in different way and you will fit your own situations to what happens in front of you. Now this sums up the genius of the writing that is being presented to you. Savour and enjoy. Do not miss. © BA

“Events on a Hotel Terrace” is in repertory at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 27th April until the 23rd September, 2006. This is a No Smoking theatre.