When you walk into the Courtyard Theatre you are confronted with an audience sitting on two sides of a stage — an innovative approach only spoilt by the boards at either end. Despite this minor blemish the audience are in for a fine evening of theatre written by one of England’s finest writers J B Priestley, who gives them the chance for some fine acting directed by Ian Brown.

The action takes place in 1912 at Eden End the long time northern home of a dedicated doctor, who is looked after by his housekeeper. All goes well until a wayward, stage stuck daughter returns out of the blue, followed by the actor husband that she has picked up along the way in Australia. The other devoted doctor’s daughter, disgruntled with her lot, keeps things together whilst following an infatuation for a neighbour, who is thrown into the melting pot when the other daughter arrives home. All this makes for an interesting play.

The band of actors give the audience a feast of stagecraft as they work their way through the plot of family undercurrents. Diana Coupland shows her experience as Sarah, the housekeeper. Dr Kirby is nicely played by Ian Lindsey, retaining that country doctor image; though it is Ken Bradshaw as Wilfred Kirby who gives the performance of the night with his drunken son routine. Samantha Robson as Stella Kirby shows her acting talent as the wayward actress daughter, with Charles Appleby as Dale Rapley the self centered actor. Dorothy Atkins gives a nice performance as the other daughter Lilian Kirby who holds a flame for Geoffrey Farrant, played by Nigel Betts.

All this adds up to a pleasant evening at the theatre and well worth the effort to see a traditional play staged in an unusual way. It all works nicely. © BA

“Eden End” is in Leeds from the 26th October to the 24th November, 2001.