When you go to the theatre you expect to see something different especially when it is a new play. Here Torben Betts gives us a concoction of what has already been done before. The direction was adequate for a play better suited to TV than the live theatre.

Why mundane plays always seem to take place in the north of England only those who write them know, but the south of the country must have just as much nondescript goings on. We see an aging father whose son and daughter feel obliged to visit him for the festive season. First the daughter Anna (Jane Arden) with her husband Duncan (Steven Elder) arrive with their hyperactive son. The more refined Duncan finds communication difficult with his caring, but course father in law Keith (Frank Moorey), who seems unconcerned about what is going on around him now that his wife is in hospital. The daughter finds herself clearing up as soon as she arrives and falls into a routine way of life. Then the moneyed uncouth son Paul (Jason Baughan) arrives with his girlfriend Sarah (Cate Debenham-Taylor), an aspiring actress, and the predictable happens. The talent of Paul cannot be questioned in today’s world where anything goes, but it is truly poor by when compared with his peers in the music business. A predictable plot then unfolds as further visits take place throughout the year with only grief as the outcome. We get the usual worldly mix of adultery, family rows and financial troubles.

The cast gave their all and showed some fine acting talents, but you could not like the characters that they portrayed.

This sort of drama can be seen in TV soap operas any night of the week. The only point of visiting a theatre is to see it live, but this play will not give you the magical experience that the theatre is supposed to give you. You will find it difficult to remember this play the next day. © BA

“Clockwatching” is in repertory in Scarborough from the 10th of May until the 11th of July, 2001.