A LIFE IN THE THEATRE: Mamet, Derby Playhouse till 19 Jan

Derby

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE: David Mamet
Derby Playhouse Studio: Tkts 01332 363275

Runs: 1h 10m, no interval, till Sat 19 January 2002
Review: Rod Dungate, 21 December 2001

Clever programming for the studio of Mamet's intriguing and entertaining playIn A LIFE IN THE THEATRE David Mamet is passing an observation about life: the old must make way for the young, but the transition is difficult and painful. The two actors in this play (both playing actors, one old, one young) must gently turn their relationship about within the space of around 80 minutes. Told in a series of short scenes, the play is both funny and touching and offers some highly entertaining 'excerpts' from the plays the two actors are performing.

The couple make a dynamic contrast, heightened by director Hannah Chissick's decision to move the action from America to the UK. Peter Cartwright – Robert, the older actor – has a mellow 'actor' voice, easy and melodious, and never does a lazy vowel sound pass his lips. Laurence Penry-Jones – John, the younger actor – is, in contrast, less 'finished', vowel sounds less perfect. As much as Cartwright preserves energy, so Penry-Jones expends it.

As John gains the upper hand Penry-Jones's whole demeanour changes. At the beginning his body and facial expressions are open, welcoming the older actor in. But as he progresses his expressions close up somewhat: Penry-Jones brushes the character with a little arrogance too, a timely warning to us all to take care.

A good deal of suspension of disbelief is required to encompass the play excerpts but it's well worth going on the journey – some of them are particularly funny. The characters themselves, however, are completely believable, and surprisingly complex within such a short play. And when the characters hurt each other the pain is real.

The final rejection of Robert by John produces the same mix of emotions that the rejection of Falstaff by the maturing Prince Henry at the end of Henry IV does. A similarity Mamet appears to want us to see.

Mamet's intriguing play is clever programming over the Christmas period by Derby Playhouse: a welcome acknowledgment that not everyone puts their brain to bed for two weeks.

Cast:
Robert: Peter Cartwright
John: Laurence Penry-Jones

Director: Hannah Chissick
Design: Andy Miller
Lighting: Alexandra Stafford
Sound: Nick Greenhill

2001-12-23 14:58:23