THEATRE REVIEWS

Watch the child’s eyes, they tell the whole story. My Wonderful Day is the story of childhood and what it captures. Childhood is a vehicle for expressing your thoughts in later years, a safe and convenient way to tell of your thoughts and frustrations experienced through life and present them as a pastiche of today. Alan Ayckbourn is back on form with this latest piece of storytelling. It is a delight to sit and watch with others, as they travel this same journey through life. Here it is told as a tale of a family of today where all the avenues are explored through a child's eyes.

This cast slide into their characters with effortless ease and bring out the subtleties that are required by the master craftsman in charge of direction. Each member has a lot to offer and non more so than Ayesha Antoine who plays Winnie, the child taken to her employer’s by her pregnant mother Laverne, played by Petra Letang. You could spend your entire time watching Winnie, for she is telling you the story of a day in North London that ensues whilst she is learning French and writing up her account of the day’s happenings. You will be transfixed and time will pass you by before you know it. The house is owned by Kevin, played by Terence Booth, who is expecting his secretary Tiffany, played by Ruth Gibson, for various pursuits that will be explained as the plot progresses. A friend Josh (Paul Kemp) is called for support, but when the wife Paula, played by Alexandra Mathie, turns up things start to get interesting. We experience some beautiful performances especially from Ayesha Antoine.

Roger Glossop does a workmanlike job of the set and Mick Hughes does some real tricks with his diamond lighting effects. Costume designer Jennie Boyer gets it just right and due to Ben Vickers all can be clearly heard. Now let us not forget Sarah Hughes for finding this talented band of players.

You have not been told too much about the plot in order not to spoil it for you. Seek out this truly wonderful production before it makes its way to America. Hurry, this one act, full length play is only here for a month. This quality is not often experienced these days.

Ayckbourn is back with a vengeance, making all those subtle comments and piecing it together so skilfully. As the audience show their appreciation as the cast take the bows in character — savour it. Imagine my surprise when I stood up and turned round at the end and was face to face with the Master Writer, all I could say was “Hello” and “That was very good”. Nothing more to say. © BA

“My Wonderful Day” is at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 8th to the 31st of October, 2009. Box Office Telephone: 01723 370541. Tickets prices from £9 - £19.50.

Is there an Air Conditioning certificate prominently displayed in your theatre foyer stating the date of manufacture of the appliance and when the system was last inspected and serviced - if not, complain to the theatre management.