THEATRE REVIEWS

Ayckbourn does repeats so much better than they do on television. Sixteen endings with eight beginnings, all going to a surprise and variations in between. So we continue our journey through these Intimate Exchanges, this time ending up with Love in a Mist. All is not as it seems in this play as Miles, chairman of school governors, engages on an affair, egged on by his affair loving wife Rowena. Missing out this time is Celia, much taken for granted wife of Toby, trying to keep faith with himself as headmaster, and Sylvie is disappointed whilst looking for the perfect relationship on holiday.

You will have been here before if you have been fortunate enough to have seen other plays in this collection. Vicious humour, dressed up as everyday exchanges, delights the audience as they watch Claudia Elmhirst and Bill Champion mesmerise them as different characters. You have to leave London to see the best drama in Britain these days or be overun by the musical. You will not see finer acting and character interpretation even if you visit the many theatres of the land for many a long day. Savour these two brilliant actors and realise how much effort has gone into what they are putting before you.

Tim Luscombe does another fine job of interpreting Alan Ayckbourn's genius as a writer, against the backdrop of Michael Holt's design and Ben Vicker's lighting, not to forget the ever efficient stage crew.

Do not miss this fine play; for you may get a different interpretation of playing the piano among other subtle innuendoes and lessons of how we behave. Great night out at the theatre. Not a spare seat in the house, so think ahead and book early so as not to miss out. © BA

“Love in a Mist” is in repertory at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 24th August until the 22nd September, 2006. This is a No Smoking theatre.