THEATRE REVIEWS

Jack Lear suited lead actor Barrie Rutter very well, shouting at his family of three girls at the start, his character was able to give the illusion of dominance as they portrayed subdued compliance which was an illusion. This play by Ben Benison is a story of dominance versus non compliance. A tale beautifully written using prose and poetry in the modern idiom to allow the actors to deliver their lines to the appreciation of the audience. Based on an old tale by Shakespeare we have a fisherman who has acquired wealth which needs to be shared amongst his family so that he benefits from that distribution, but what transpires is something different and that is the tale that is told.

The audience is met by a bare stage onto which are brought various props to give atmosphere to the ensuing scene, although not always seamlessly. The stage is lived in by the five actors. Daughter Morgana, played by Wendy Albiston, a scheming girl, her sister Freda , played by Becky Hindley, a not to be outdone competitor, and the retiring third daughter Victoria, played by Rachel Jane Allen, who has right as her goal. Then enter Edmund a scheming lawyer, played by Andy Cryer who steals the show with his womanising attitude. All this in the presence of Jack Lear, played by Barrie Rutter who directs and brings the play to life.

This was a Northern Broadsides production with a difference, more subtle in its approach, which added to its appeal and left the appreciative audience well satisfied. True we had song and dance, but it did not overwhelm and gave much pleasure to those watching and listening to it. The acting, as ever, was excellent and gave the audience great entertainment. © BA

“Jack Lear” is at the Round in Scarborough from the 16th October to the 8th of November, 2008. Box Office Telephone: 01723 370541

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.