Most people have ventured a look at the life boat when they visit the seaside, but how many of us know what goes on in the lives of the crew? This new play by Stephen Clark aims to answer some of those questions as he tells the story of Mike, the Coxswain of a local lifeboat.

Mike is played by Geoff Leesley and is devoted to the boat at the expense of all around him. Ruth, played by Charlie Hardwick, his long suffering wife, dreams of retiring to Cornwall and running a guest house whilst her husband takes tourists for trips round the bay in his boat. The youngest son Luke, played by Neil Grainger, has been coerced into the boat by his lifeboat obsessed father, but would rather be carving wood sculptures and living with his girlfriend Helen played by Niky Wardley. Throw into this equation the eldest son Sam, played by James Weaver, just back from America and unsure whether he wants to return, and the daughter Jo played by Alison Mac who wants just to get away, preferably to Tahiti to learn to dive. All this is general run of the mill stuff for a play, the only new ingredient is the lifeboat. This is not a strong enough catalyst to make a great play, but it does make a pleasant night at the theatre. Daniel Slater’s direction tends to leave pauses which slow the play down from the start, but it does move smoothly to its conclusion.

Next time you hear of a lifeboat rescue you will think of what goes on at the homes of the brave men who man the boat and what their family has to endure in order that others may be made safe. A interesting evenings drama. © BA

“Making Waves” is at the Round in Scarborough from the 25th of April until the 24th of May, 2003.