REVIEWS REVIEWS
Looking back again takes up the plot of a play presented by Northern Exposure at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. This time we are treated to the thoughts of the two characters as they recall the events that led up to them meeting. Superbly done, the interplay between the two actors tells the story of a man's encounter with a woman whose sister's troubled mind leads her to take extraordinary measures to supposedly solve her problems, revolving around a baby.
Liam McKenna, is a store detective, Douglas, who encounters Laura, played by Alison Pargeter, a kleptomaniac, who he is attracted to. He shares his thoughts with the audience as he recalls his relationship with the woman. In her turn Laura also shares her thoughts with the audience, recounting the events of her life. So the the story is told. It is not until after the event, when Liam meets the older sister Poppy, that another story is told. The director handled the actors well to get these performances from them.
Alison Pargeter takes the part of both sisters and shows a subtle shift of character from one to the other using voice and character to produce a fine performance. Liam McKenna playing the detective shows us the down to earth basic man, attracted to both women, who uses swear words in his dictionary of everyday speech to show us a well drawn character.
The lighting designed by David Bennion-Pedley left something to be desired, for the features of the players were lost with the too subtle side lighting, only put right when down lighting was used. The audience need to see the actors, not the lighting designer's props and tricks, which should have been noticed by the director. The set by Barney George just did the job for which it was intended. The layout of the theatre gave nothing to the presentation of the play.
This was a show to go and see and think about afterwards, for you will realise far more about the plot as the time passes. The audience sat in silence as they took in this unusual presentation which made good theatre. © BA
“Magpie Park” is in Leeds on the 19th May until the 30th June, 2007. Council car parking charge £1 from 5.30pm until 10pm. This is now a No Smoking theatre.
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