Park Theatre (studio)
James Haddrell (director)
90 (length)
06 March 2025 (released)
4 d
Nick Payne’s two-hander gets an interesting revival as an associated production between Greenwich Playhouse and the Park Theatre. Interesting in that it explores the awkwardness that can exist when a strong attraction and need for love gets railroaded due to the 2nd World War. Then jumping to two further encounters, the 1960’s and then the early 2000’s, when circumstances change dramatically for one of the characters, leaving the other hanging onto a love that can never be rekindled.
Cassie Bradley plays Voilet who in a cheap hotel with the threat of a possible air-raid gives herself to Leonard played by Barney White, both promise to wait for each other, no matter what, but unfortunately by the time they meet again in a wintery park in the 1960’s Violet has married someone else and has children, whilst Leonard still holds a torch. This scene is very powerful and both actors give subtle and moving performances. And generally, both are extremely engaging and a pleasure to watch.
However, when we see them meet up finally in early 2000’s, they are both in their 70’s, and creating a truly real portrayal of old age and on-set dementia proves a more difficult challenge. And the shuffling and lengthy pauses at time feel a little overdone.
Directed by James Haddrell there is an attention to detail that at times is enthralling, but at other points the lengthy pauses drag a little and become too frequent. At 90 minutes without an interval, it feels longer than it needed to be.
As a study of the fragility of relationships it is well crafted, but somehow lacks the real heart-breaking moments it needs.
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
