REVIEWS REVIEWS
This play was John Osborne's first theatrical success in 1956 and many believe he revolutionised theatre. This was because he was the first to show working class characters and situations, and to really highlight working class struggles. It is also widely understood that this particular piece is strongly autobiographical and illustrates his early relationship with his wife Pamela. But with the political landscape having changed so dramatically, how does Osborne's play come across nearly 50 years later?
The action is set in the Porter's bedsit flat in the Midlands and is contained throughout to this one room, a room which is shabby and cluttered. This creates a sense of claustrophobia which is reflected in David Tennant's performance as Jimmy Porter. He is like a caged animal, pacing around and attacking randomly. Tennant gives Porter enormous energy, and he strides around the stage exuding anger and venom. The main target of these attacks is his wife, Alison (played by Kelly Reilly) as she represents everything he detests — the middle classes, passivity, reserve. Throughout the play, Jimmy goads and torments her, trying to get a reaction from her.
The story basically centres around Jimmy's battle with the rest of the world and this is perhaps where my difficulty with the play came in. His attacks are so vitriolic, so vicious, yet it is hard to understand exactly why Jimmy is so angry. I think for modern audiences, not familiar with the climate in which the play was written, Jimmy's anger is confusing — he is angry about everything (including the church, the middle classes, Sunday afternoons and much more) yet there is no obvious cause for his rage. He is the true 'rebel without a cause' — angry but not sure who at and with no direction for his energy and passion. Therefore his middle class wife becomes an inevitable target for his class-rage, to which she responds by withdrawing from him and ignoring him.
Each of the actors gives an outstanding performance, with Tennant really stealing the show with his portrayal of Jimmy. Reilly is convincing as the beaten-down wife and Alexandra Moen gives a great performance of the manipulative, wilful Helena. Steven McNicoll is also compelling as the Welsh mediator, smoothing things over between the warring husband and wife. The acting, set and lighting all create a production which is professional and effective. However, I personally found it a confusing play and I am not entirely convinced that it has stood the test of time too well, particularly for new audiences viewing it now for the first time. If, however, you are a fan of Osborne's work, you will enjoy this enormously. © KA
“Look Back in Anger” is in Bath on the 14th until the 19th of February, 2005 and continues their UK tour.
