A VOYAGE AROUND MY FATHER

Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society

Vernon Theatre, Lyndhurst

THE play is a narration of John Mortimer’s memories of the original Rumpole, his Father (Vic Milne). The story, told through his eyes, immortalises the period through his childhood and adulthood up to his Father's death.

Milne is first-rate, playing a character who divides his life into the lyrical barrister, opining his wisdom and the anti-social gardener, growing ever more waspish as his wife (Ingrid Bond) diminishes before our eyes. His son, known as “the Boy”, and portrayed through the ages (Lenny Short & Gabriel Short) transitions from gauche teenager to man (Rupert van den Bogaerde), whose growth is stunted by the shadow of his Father, much to the exasperation of his wife (Gemma Wilks). Bogaerde conveys the story with sincerity, cumulating in some tender last scenes.

The story passes through many scenes and eras with the focus kept on the cast, with a simple and effective set and ingenious props. Credit must be given to the director (Edwin Beecroft) for realising the story, clearly intended for a much grander stage.

Rebecca Case