YOU NEVER CAN TELL.
Tour/London
YOU NEVER CAN TELL
by George Bernard Shaw
Garrick Theatre
Mon-Sat 7.30pm Mat Thu & Sat 3pm
Runs 2hr 35min One interval
TICKETS: 0870 890 1104
Review: Rod Dungate 5 September 2005 at Malvern Theatres
Shaw's human face laughter and fireworksShaw shows us his human face in this play. This farcical tale (though not a farce) allows him to give free rein to his impish sense of humour and his fiercely sharp wit. You sense he sees a certain comedy in, not only our 'position taking', but also in his own.
Mrs Clandon lives in Europe with her two daughters and son; she is something of a celebratory having a string of books about 'The 20th Century Woman/ Mother/ Parent'. The family come to stay in a hotel at an English seaside resort. The children behave unconventionally and eyebrows are raised, particularly those of Mrs Clandon's estranged husband who quite by coincidence lives in the resort.
Shaw is a debater in his work; it's as true in this play as in any other. But he has the ability to creep up on the ideas from unexpected angles hence the delicious humour. Mrs Clandon supports ideas such as women's franchise, women owning property in marriage, marriage based on independence, privacy and mutual respect. She is informed that these views are no longer considered modern, indeed are old-fashioned except in one area. 'The Church?' she asks. 'No the theatre,' is the reply.
Is there a point to all this though? Or is it just froth? Most of the main characters are people of principle we may or not agree with them. But they live by them on the face of it, commendable. But Shaw demonstrates that these characters, far from being liberated by their principles (however sound) are imprisoned by them. In his classical comedic ending, Shaw shows that we must compromise to attain happiness, but that compromise doesn't necessarily mean losing our ideals.
Edward Fox is superb as The Waiter, fount of wisdom, humanity and who long ago discovered the secret of happy living. He doesn't waste a word, and laughter follows easily upon laughter. Fox makes it look so easy: this is inspired casting and a beautifully gauged performance. Diana Quick is quietly assertive as Mrs Clandon and comes to the fore in the third act. Sinead Matthews and Matthew Dunphy inject wonderful energy and fun as younger Clandon daughter and son, Dolly and Phil. Nancy Carroll brings a complementary unaffectedness into this mad world.
Dolly: Sinead Matthews
Valentine: Ryan Kiggell
Parlourmaid: Madeleine Hutchins
Phil: Matthew Dunphy
Mrs Clandon: Diana Quick
Gloria: Nancy Carroll
Mr Crampton: Ken Bones
Waiter: Edward Fox
Finch M'Comas: William Chubb
Bohun: Michael Mears
Director: Peter Hall
Associate Director: Trish Rigdon
Associate Director on Tour: Joe Harmston
Scenic Design: Kevin Rigdon
Lighting Designer: Peter Mumford
Costume Designers: Kevin Ridgon and Trish Rigdon
Sound Designer: Gregory Clarke
Choreographer: Wayne McGregor
Casting Director: Gemma Hancock CDG
2005-09-06 14:46:14