REVIEWS REVIEWS
Every so often a play makes a social comment and has a story to tell that makes for a memorable evening at the theatre. Under the Whaleback takes you by the scruff of the neck, shakes you round a bit and dumps you knowing a lot more about the subject that it has been discussing when you leave the theatre. This play is beautifully written from the first word uttered by its time ravaged crew from the trawlers of Hull and Grimsby. You will think that you have been shipwrecked in the waters round this small island of ours, made redundant from your job and dumped on the scrapheap by the passage of time.
Richard Bean shows us the men who risk life and limb to bring the fish to the table and makes you realise what they have gone through to do it. A well inebriated Cassidy, played by David Barrass, is a legend in his lifetime with many stories of his exploits, some true some exaggerated, who joins the crew of the Kingston Jet in 1965 with a young seventeen year old lad called Darrell, played by Nicholas Figgis. What transpires from their meeting has a bearing on the young lad’s future life. Darrell, now twenty four, joins the James Joyce in 1972 and continues his encounters with more members of the fishing community, experiencing their way of life, but not joining them in style and manner. This time he meets Norman, played by Paul Popplewell, the new young lad who is frightened and aggressive, Bill, played by Martin Barrass, who is settled in his ways and carves his way through his voyages and Rock, played by Paul Kynman, who six foot seven and big with it, whilst at the same time being slow of thought, but mild of manner. New situations arise and new things are learnt from one another as they endure the voyage. All this leads to the Arctic Kestrel which is moored as an exhibition of life on board a fishing vessel. Darrell, now played by David Barrass, now fifty four is setting the boat up when he is joined by Pat played by Paul Popplewell a mixed up youngster who has heard of Darrell’s exploits at sea. What ensues is typical of today’s view of life. The acting is superb and all deserve equal praise for their performances.
The set design by Richard Foxton brings the feel of a fishing boat to life on the stage and the direction of Gareth Tudor Price brings new accolades to his now growing tally. You must go to see this play, but be prepared for rough talk that adds to the quality of this play. © BA
“Under the Whaleback” is in Hull from the 26th February to the 20th of March, 2004 then touring.
