THE LINDEN TREE. To 25 March.
London
THE LINDEN TREE
by J B Priestley
Orange Tree Theatre To 25 March 2006
Mon-Sat 7.45pm Mat Sat 4pm & Thu 2.30pm (+ post-show discussion)
Audio-described 14 March, 18 March 4pm
Seminar: J. B. Priestley 11 March 10.30am-2.30pm
Runs 2hr 40min One interval
TICKETS: 020 8940 3633
www.orangetreetheatre.co.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 17 February
Once again, the Orange Tree is spot-on in choice of play and quality of production.
Extracts from the 1947 BBC (news of freezing cold and power cuts, jolly comedy) introduce each scene of J B Priestley’s response to the post-war austerity forties in Christopher Morahan’s fine production. 65-year old history professor Robert Linden, being edged out of his job by a progressive Vice-Chancellor, and encouraged to leave by his otherwise loyal wife and most of his children, is clearly the play’s, and Priestley’s, voice. With Socratic regularity he parries others’ arguments with his conception of society.
It works because of Priestley’s understanding, and enthusiasm for life. Linden has many aspects of the dramatist, including love of music and pipe-smoking, or hatred of systems and ‘isms’. Oliver Ford Davies’ outstanding portrayal offers a voice with the ringing ability to express passionate conviction through reasoned argument, while his ever-considering face shows affectionate compassion for his family.
Linden understands his wife’s frustration in provincial Burmanley, while Anna Cartaret’s Isabel shows personal affection along with her need to find a more fulfilling life. Their children represent different tracks for post-war lives. Rex has returned from war’s destruction to go all-out for personal wealth. Roger Barclay’s outstanding performance is a model of surface restraint revealing underlying stresses.
Similarly, Elizabeth Marmur’s Jean has an edgy nerviness; her progressive politics have hardened into a political programme but she is vulnerable in the emotions she denies. Marmur’s frequent anxiety of expression and sharpness of voice aptly contrast her sister Marion, who’s chosen marriage to a French nobleman and life in the sun. Hannah Yelland’s smiles can’t hide her purposelessness in the society she’s abandoned.
Linden loves them all, but his hopes lie with the youngest, Dinah, still at school. Her practising of Elgar’s ‘cello concerto gives rise to Linden’s (and Priestley’s) lament for pre-1914 England. But Dinah’s full of life, as Jennifer Higham shows each time, still an awkward teenager in movement, but smilingly energetic and filled with love of life, she dashes about the room.
Morahan is attentive to every detail of afternoon tea being served and removed, as he is understanding of the play’s architecture and characters in this outstanding production.
Professor Robert Linden: Oliver Ford Davies
Mrs Isabel Linden: Anna Cartaret
Rex Linden: Roger Barclay
Doctor Jean Linden: Elizabeth Marmur
Marion de Saint Vaury: Hannah Yelland
Dinah Linden: Jennifer Higham
Mrs Cotton: Deddie Davies
Alfred Lockhart: Ian East
Edith Westmore: Rachel Coffey
Bernard Fawcett: Tom McDonald
Director: Christopher Morahan
Designer: Tim Meacock
Lighting: John Harris
Assistant director: Imogen Bond
2006-02-22 16:35:27