John Godber’s observations must be envied by many for his recall of events have a fine detail which make them classic. A visit to Hull Truck’s touring production of “September in the Rain” will bring back many a memory for the thousands who have made the annual trip to Blackpool for their holiday. This is a fine piece of writing which strings together a mix of observations and weaves them into an entertaining piece of theatre.

We see Jack, a Yorkshire miner, played by Eamonn Fleming and his long suffering wife Liz played by Fiona Wass against a photographer’s paper roll backdrop as they go through a number of conversation linked monologues of events that have happened since their first holiday in 1952. The skill is how the writer joins these monologues together to form an entertaining whole. The two actors, who are on stage for one and a half hours give superb performances, being given many opportunities to exploit cameos of people who have come into their lives over the years. The dialogue is from a working class background which is sometimes coarse and sometimes tender, but always just right. The tight flowing direction is by Nick Lane.

A national tour will give many people a chance to see this typical piece of modern English theatre. © BA

“September in the Rain” is in Hull from the 28th of August, 2001 to the 8th of September, 2001. Then an extensive national tour from 10th September until the 1st December 2001.