As I take my seat and read the programme’s opening blurb, which explains that this play is about the over 60s recapturing their youth, I know immediately that I am in the right place. Beatles tracks from the 1960s are playing – perfect timing.
The set is simple and basic and arranged on the Hall floor to provide ‘theatre-in-the-round’ – something we have come to expect from The Other Theatre Company. This provides for a very intimate theatrical experience – but surely rather intimidating for the performers.
In the first scene, the rather intense and frenetic discussion between Sue (Mandy White) and Richard (Jon White) about the behavior of (whom we take to be) their miscreant (and non-existent) son, is shattered by the dramatic and hilarious entrance of their errant father/father-in-law Brooksie (Harry Kennedy) – permanent lodger since the loss of his wife, aging biker and the source of their angst.
Brooksie is in the habit of partying into the night (look at the title of the play) and we are introduced to fellow miscreant Tom (Roger Barlow), Tom’s future intended Julia (Anne-Marie Lonsdale) and also Rose (Glen Godson), who Brooksie fancies rotten. A witty dialogue ensues, which is delivered very slickly.
The final part of the scene is, in my view, rather mawkish and sentimental (the author’s fault, not the actors’) and is rather reminiscent of ‘Ghosts’- although the ghost of Grace (Carole Carr) is played with just that and serenity.
In the second scene, Harry Kennedy as Brooksie delivers a tour-de-force with exquisite delivery of some very funny lines.
The dénouement of the second half is complex and very well acted.
All-in-all, a delightful evening, in no small part thanks to director and producer Sophia Kennedy. I am looking forward to the next production, which will be on 8,9 and 10 November.
For more information about this production, please see our Past Productions page for You're Only Young Twice.