NICK Dear’s biographical drama follows the final years of poet Edward Thomas (a compelling Crispian Cook), through his strained marriage, passions, depression, life-changing friendship with American poet Robert Frost (a captivating Mick Keegan) and adoration of family friend, Eleanor Farjeon (a mesmerising Fi Beresford), to a two-year period in which he hit a rich vein of poetic creativity before his tragic untimely death on French battle fields in 1917.
Supported by Suzanne Hall’s subtle, understated performance as Thomas’ devoted, longsuffering wife, Peter Barber’s impressive WMT debut as Thomas’ austere father and Darren Butler’s military cameo, there wasn’t a weak link anywhere.
Dear’s play is an enigma in its structure, but its slow-burning development – enhanced by Mary Dawson’s superb direction in the round in an intimate Indian marquee venue, fabulous props and set, beautiful live music, spot-on sound and lighting – is one of the most intelligent and spellbinding plays that I’ve seen for some time.
ANNE WAGGOTT
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