I Have Been Here Before. To 12 May.

Nottingham

I HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE
by J B Priestley

Nottingham Playhouse To 12 May 2007
Tue-Sat 7.45pm. Mat 10 May 1.30pm
Audio-described 8, 9 May
BSL Signed 11 May.
Runs 2hr 45min. Two intervals

TICKETS: 0115 9419419
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell 4 May 2007

Time-play undermined by the passing of time.
Set in an inn on the Yorkshire Moors, Priestley’s time play I Have Been Here Before explores the notion that we all live our lives over and over again in an endlessly repeating pattern. The characters gather for a Whitsuntide weekend, apparently by chance, until it becomes clear that the enigmatic Dr Görtler knows more about each character than he ought. Unsettling to everyone, Görtler manages to bring out the worst in people.

Sally, the innkeeper’s daughter, treats Görtler with barely disguised contempt, partly just because he is a foreigner and partly because of the air of unease he brings to the inn and its residents. Ormond, the heavy-drinking industrialist, experiences feelings of deep unhappiness and desperation around Görtler, and shares with him deeply held secrets.

It is only Sam, the innkeeper, who remains unaffected by the mysterious guest. He is the only character who would be quite happy to have his time over again and spend it in exactly the same way.

All very interesting and highly entertaining. The 1930’s are recreated perfectly in Helen Fownes-Davies' set and costumes. The play, however, has dated and has not stood the test of time. It is rather like watching an enjoyable but quaint black and white film.

It is the high quality of some of the acting that prevents the characters from appearing as stereotypes. Particularly noteworthy are Penelope Woodman’s Sally, who manages to hide her snobbishness with helpful friendliness, Ormund (Robin Kingsland) tortoured by memories of the first world war and unable to stop working or drinking in an effort to forget, and David Acton whose Dr Görtler is precise and measured.

Dr Görtler: David Acton
Sam Shipley: Robert Austin
Walter Ormund: Robin Kingsland
Janet Ormund: Aoibheann O’Hara
Oliver Farrant: Sam Talbot
Sally Pratt: Penelope Woodman

Director: Giles Croft
Designer: Helen Fownes-Davies
Lighting: James Farncombe
Sound: Adam McCready

2007-05-07 13:33:37