Gordon Steel has written a play with a title that is meant to catch your attention. Does it, you bet it does. It is one of the most funny, but endearing plays that you will see this year. Albert Nobbs takes his wife for granted until one day she goes out and does not come back. She has not run away, but a car has run away with her life and she comes back to haunt her husband. Retirement is never easy and people take to it in different ways. This is a play about how Albert Nobbs comes to terms with all his new found time. Women find it easier, unless they have had a very active business career, which Connie, Albert’s wife has not, and therefore has slipped into the new routine with more ease.

Graham Bill, as Albert, gives a fine performance as he deals with all the many sides of Albert’s character. Pamela Merrick, as Connie, is marvellous as the wife who has to deal with what must be a normal husband in most marriages. Ruth Carr shows how to not be yourself when playing three different characters and gives a lesson in how to lose yourself in your part. All three actors bring this play together to make a fine piece of writing by Gordon Steel come to life under his intuitive direction.

This was a great night at the theatre and if the play comes your way rush to book seats. This audience went away fully satisfied and with a new view on retirement and possibly their own behaviour if they were of the male gender. All this with the music of Nelson Riddle and the voice of Frank Sinatra in the background as an extra. Impressive. © BA

“Albert Nobbs” is in Hull from the 30th June to the 12th of July, 2003.