THEATRE REVIEWS

Alan Ayckbourn sat and watched as the actors gave a faultless performance of his play Woman in Mind at the Stephen Joseph theatre, Scarborough. This was a brilliant fusion of the playwright’s skill and the art of acting. The packed audience experienced a rare treat of what can be achieved on a stage with just the use of the English language and the clear use of the human voice. The pace, the plot and the message were all here with a finely observed insight into human behaviour. It was a delight to sit and soak up this rare piece of a playwright’s art.

Janie Dee seems to excel by being hit by a garden rake or falling off the back of a lorry when Ayckbourn is anywhere near the writing of the plot. Here we have an actress in full control of her character, a woman called Susan, lost in her married state to a clergyman called Gerald (John Bramwell) who treats her as though she is not there for her own thinking processes, and a dithering doctor Bill (Paul Kemp). The son Rick (Dominic Hecht) who needed to get away from the family environment to test his thoughts on life and a sister Muriel (Joanna David) who never gets to grips with life and causes disaster to the embarrassment of others. Mixed into this is the mind of Susan, who experiences dreamlike adventures with the people she would have preferred from life, Andy (Bill Champion) as a substitute for her husband, Lucy (Perdita Avery) and Tony (Martin Parr) for her children. Janie Dee gives a superb performance, which is made possible by the performances of her fellow actors. A fine piece of work by everyone.

As usual Alan Ayckbourn wraps the plot round what he has experienced and in this case it is the plight of women who are taken for granted and are thought for, thereby robbing them of their own life and thoughts. You will see situations about to happen and the punch line hits hard and with subtle meaning, one in particular. The characters are finely drawn and give speeches that are beautifully written with deep meaning because of their origins. All this added up to a beautiful piece of theatre.

The simple set by Roger Glossop is aided by the lighting of Mick Hughes, which allows the costume design of Jennie Boyer to be brought to life, something that would inspire any would be dress designer. This then gives the backdrop for the Ayckbourn magic to evolve, showing his subtle direction.

What will happen to you during the evening is that time will slip away without you noticing and you will have had a wonderful time at the theatre. You will have heard every word clearly delivered, the story will have flowed over you and reminded you of past events and experiences. Above all it will have been worth your effort and every penny spent. Savour it and enjoy it in every sense. © BA

“Woman in Mind” is at the Round, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough from the 4 September until the 4 October 2008.

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.