THE ANNIVERSARY.
London
THE ANNIVERSARY
by Bill McIlwraith
Garrick Theatre To 16 April 2005
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Wed & Sat 2.30pm
Runs 2hr 10min One interval
TICKETS: 0870 890 1104 (£1.50 booking fee)
Review: Timothy Ramsden 27 January
A fine comic ride on a family unmerry-go-round.With so many plays exploring fault-lines splitting families, Bill McIlwraith's 1966 comedy pulls the other way. Mum she needs no other name is determined to keep her three sons about her, showing as little concern for their feelings as she does for the people unfortunate to live in the houses the family firm builds.
Just as Tom's fiancée Shirley is judged educated or a cretin within a minute according to whether she's agreeing with Mum so everyone is judged by how they serve her interests. Beneath the oozing cream of dictatorial approval for those staying by her side there's revealed her all-round contempt for weaker personalities.
The action takes place on the yearly anniversary of her husband's death, commemorated with appalling formality. Given the hint of weakness in the portrait that hangs amid a near-shrine of family memories, it's little surprise when she finally rounds on the sacred memory itself.
All her sons are unmanned by her dominance, even Tom, the most outspoken who is making his annual bid for freedom with a girlfriend. Hints the trendy, daffy-voiced Shirley has the makings of a Mum suggest escape may prove to be limited.
The sons are well-contrasted in Denis Lawson's meticulous production. There's Liam Garrigan's breezy cheek, Tony Maudsley's sympathetic helplessness and John Marquez (the one newcomer since the production's Liverpool premiere last September) whose weakness is vocally apparent before he appears, and who stands helplessly unable to make a decision at crises.
The women have the best, attacking lines. Beside Worrall's quiet persistence there's Rosie Cavaliero as Terry's wife, fighting Mum's possessiveness for a new life in Canada. She makes clear the years of mutual hatred, the ready barbs and battles, the ringing voice and triumphant smile at any point gained.
But Sheila Hancock's Mum is the centre-piece. Everresourceful in a crisis, always suggesting there's more in reserve, beckoning a verbal attack like a gangster inviting conflict, unafraid to take her time, the dramatic interest isn't will she win each hand in the plot, but how. Which makes the end slightly pat, but, that apart, this is a fine ride on a family unmerry-go-round.
Mum: Sheila Hancock
Karen: Rosie Cavaliero
Tom: Liam Garrigan
Terry: John Marquez
Henry: Tony Maudsley
Shirley: Madeleine Worrall
Director: Denis Lawson
Designer: Robin Don
Lighting: David W Kidd
Sound: John Leonard
Associate director: Jonathan Munby
2005-01-31 09:11:40