THE CONTRACTOR. Tour to 18 May.

Tour

THE CONTRACTOR
by David Storey

Oxford Stage Company Tour to 18 May
Runs 2hr 40min Two intervals
Review Hazel Brown 23 April at Salisbury Playhouse,

Revival of play where the set is the star.Oxford Stage Company's revival of David Storey's 1969 hit is a bitter-sweet look at the world of work, featuring the spectacular raising and dismantling of a marquee on stage. Now, as during the original production, this generates a generous round of applause.

As the marquee goes up and down, we learn about three generations of the Ewbank family and the workmen they employ. Ewbank, the contractor, has one of his own marquees erected to celebrate his daughter's wedding. Paul Moriarty as Ewbank, bullies and fusses his team of disparate workers, but ruefully realises that an era is coming to an end. His son, Paul, played by Fergus O'Donnell, is unwilling to take over the business, and his father Old Ewbank, Robert Oates, bemoans the demise of craftsmen.

Kay, the foreman, played by Terence Booth, attempts to keep everyone on task including the Irish wisecracking duo, Fitzpatrick and Marshall – fine performances from Sean Gleeson and David Ganly – whilst keeping tightlipped about his criminal past. The final two workers, Bennett and Glendenning, are the butts of the Irishmen's teasing - Bennett (John Lloyd Fillingham) because his wife has left him and Glennie, sympathetically played by Ferdy Roberts, because he is a simple stammerer.

It is this teasing of Glennie that strikes a discordant note in the politically correct climate of the 21st Century. It may once have been acceptable to make fun of people's disabilities, but today the disapproval is palpable. Hackles rise even higher when Ewbank declares the education of daughters a waste of time. However, the class divides remain relevant and, though not a model employer, Ewbank is prepared to give people a second chance. So, whilst the coup de theatre that takes place during the play is as spectacular as ever, some of the jokes creak.

Mrs Ewbank: Rachel Bell
Old Mrs Ewbank: Ann Penfold
Kay: Terence Booth
Maurice: James Cash
Ewbank: Paul Moriarty
Claire: Katy Odey
Fitzpatrick: Sean Gleeson
Old Ewbank: Robert Oates
Paul: Fergus O'Donnell
Bennett: John Lloyd Fillingham
Glendinning: Ferdy Roberts
Marshall : David Ganly

Director: Sean Holmes
Designer: Anthony Lamble
Lighting: Simon Bennison

Tour:
30 April – 4 May Harrogate Theatre
7-11 May Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House
14-18 May Greenwich Theatre

2002-04-28 10:35:48