All Quiet on the Western Front. To 25 February.

Nottingham

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT
by Erich Maria Remarque adapted by Robin Kingsland

Nottingham Playhouse to 25 February 2005
Tue-Sat 7.45pm. Mat 23 Feb 1.30pm
Audio described 21, 22 Feb, 7.45pm.
BSL Signed 24 February 7.45pm.
Runs 2hr 15min. One interval

TICKETS: 0115 9419419
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell 15th February 2006

The mechanics and machinery may have changed but this piece remains a timely reminder of the horrors and waste of war.
A challenging task –adapting a classic book that has already had two very successful film adaptations, but Robin Kingsland's new stage version takes the fine writing of Remarque’s book and breathes life into it; not updating it for a modern audience but taking us back harshly, honestly and with no apologies.

As group of young friends enlist to fight for their country in the First World War, their progress is charted through the memories of the last of the group to die. Told through direct action and internal dialogue, their dreadful fate unfolds over the course of two acts.

Initially the characters appear undeveloped, full of bravado and with little to tell them apart – much like any group of young men. As the story unfolds each develops their distinct character, which is formed utterly by what is going on around them.

The award-winning, utilitarian set, designed by Phil Brunner, easily takes us from small town Germany to the trenches of France, the devastating sounds of bombs and mortar fire made real by the slamming of the grates on the metal gantry. Boxes and crates are moved about the stage, serving as all manner of things including the communal latrines, scene changes announced by chalk scrawlings on their sides.

Whilst the set remains static, the devastation of the frontline landscape is brought home by the poignant, lyrical commentary of Kingsland’s script.

As an ensemble piece All Quiet on the Western Front works extremely well but this is due in no small part to the strength and humanity of the acting. Robin Harvey Edwards as Kat, who in his forties is the elder statesman of the company, is superb and Paul (Mark Dempsey) is visibly and understandably devastated as his last pillar, his strength and father figure is gone. With Kat, the last of his comrades, gone, Paul realises that when no one else is left alive, one can no longer be a comrade.

Cast:
Mark Dempsey
Rachel Edwards
Robin Harvey Edwards
Marc Jordan
Paul McGreevy
Sara Poyzer
Daniel Rabin
Daniel Rigby
Simon Sanchez
Jim Tomlinson

Director: Giles Croft
Designer: Phil Brunner
Lighting: Richard G Jones
Sound/Composer/ Movement: Matthew Bugg

2006-02-20 01:10:27