REVIEW:WOMAN IN MIND
Bench Theatre
The Springs, Havant
AYCKBOURN is a master of tragic comedy, and never more so than with this tale of dissatisfaction, disintegration and delusion. His protagonist, Susan (Sally Hartley), following a concussion, finds herself embraced by the perfect fantasy family, a stark contrast to her patronising and distracted husband, Gerald (Pete Woodward) and her nightmarish sister-in-law, Muriel (Sarah Parnell). Hartley never leaves the stage, which she so skilfully commands; expressing her inner thoughts utterly, as she gradually loses control of her own imaginings. Her stage family are equally convincing, with Burt’s irascibility and Parnell’s caustic twittering being both comical and cringe worthy. However, next to her fictional family, they are saints, as the trio, doting husband, Andy (Steve Burt), irrepressible brother Tony (Ben Tanner) and perfect daughter, Lucy (Kirsty Terry) lead us all into a darker, disturbing world. The simple set and spot-on lighting and sound complete the picture. This is a story told not in words, but visually and Bench Theatre nailed every element. Tremendous theatre!
Rebecca Case
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