WHEN YOU CURE ME. To 17 December.
London
WHEN YOU CURE ME
by Jack Thorne
Bush Theatre To 17 December 2005
Mon-Sat 8pm Mat 3, 10, 17 December 3pm
Runs 2hr One interval
TICKETS: 020 7610 4224
www.bushtheatre.co.uk (24 hr, no booking fee)
Review: Timothy Ramsden 21 November
A fine play scrupulously directed, with a subtly-shaded central performance.
Director Mike Bradwell may not be your typical tightrope walker but his latest Bush production is a high-flyer showing dead-certain control. Jack Thorne, a writer who could make Chekhov look over-explicit and Pinter seem verbose, offers a script apparently as static as its bed-bound teenage protagonist. Though she rarely moves - nor, overtly, does the plot - Thorne provides a sense of development forward and back.
A violent sexual assault and consequent trauma have left Rachel physically bruised and psychologically unable to use her legs. The story’s never sensationalised, every revelation contributing to the present situation. Essential bodily functions become a test of relationships. When she eventually uses the word “raped,” it tells about her changing state of mind. When she tries to stand up, the wobbling jelly of her legs demonstrate her mental distress.
Rachel’s quietly-spoken explanation of her bruised face is unsensational yet horrific, described as it is through surprisingly calm recollection. Passing time brings tantrums and fits, plus the sometimes loud rejection of mother Angela, boyfriend Peter and unlikely school-friends Alice and James.
Truthful and unsparing in physical and emotional detail, Thorne’s play speaks up for each character. Lisa McDonald’s Alice is a vacuous girl enjoying being centre-of-attraction Rachel’s supposed friend, but she does come round to help, and has enough ability to gain a sizeable role in the school musical. James is abrasive, and his writ of wit undoubtedly runs in a very small group at school, but his final visit tells Rachel some home truths (Thorne cuts this scene short; Rachel reveals later what was said, making the information part of her character’s development).
And Angela, characterised by The Archers signature tune heard distantly through the bedroom door, is perpetually doing her best as a single parent, trying to be friends with everyone. But the dramatic weight focuses on Peter (Samuel Barnett, admirably reserved and tactful) and Morven Christie’s finely-judged Rachel, expressing through teenager inexpressiveness a whirl of feelings in an outstanding performance.
One slight sway towards overt emotionalism or bland stereotype and the whole show collapses. But Bradwell’s impeccable direction walks the walk faultlessly.
Peter: Samuel Barnett
Rachel: Morven Christie
James: Daniel Bayle
Alice: Lisa McDonald
Angela: Gwyneth Strong
Director: Mike Bradwell
Designer: Penelope Christian
Lighting: Tanya Burns
Sound: Nick Manning
Assistant director: Meriel Baistow-Clare
2005-11-24 23:20:16