The Unexpected Man, Forest Arts Centre, New Milton
Two strangers on a train from Paris to Frankfurt. He, a famous novelist; she, a fan of his work, carrying in her handbag a copy of his latest novel.
The man is morose yet volatile, obsessed with the concept of bitterness.
The woman is imaginative but hesitant - should she talk to her hero?
Translated beautifully from Yasmina Reza's original and award-winning French play, the dual internal monologues are intense, revealing and thought-provoking.
The acting by the experienced stage and TV performers Richard Syms and Julie Neubert is flawless and utterly convincing.
Directed by the multi-talented Hildegard Neil, this intellectual production challenges both actors and audience.
The set, sound effects, and lighting are minimalist, but the concepts are timeless - personal calamities, decisions and regrets, sleeplessness and searing heartache.
Both One From The Heart Theatre Company and Forest Arts Centre deserve enormous credit for producing and staging such a little gem of European drama.
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