| We all need a caretaker.. |
|
At the Torch
|
| Torch Theatre- The Caretaker
,
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
,
March 9, 2002
|
|
I had a wonderful night at the Sherman Theatre Cardiff, Saturday 9th March. It started from the moment I rang to book my ticket, with charming and efficient assistance from the Box office and ended with pints of 'John Smiths' with congenial friends in the theatre bar. And the bit in between was pretty good too.
The final performance of the Torch Theatre's production of "The Caretaker". Some may question the value of submitting a revue when the tour is now over but I have a high regard for the work at the Torch. Artistic Director Peter Doran I see resembling an early Jude Kelly at the West Yorkshire Playhouse - geographically out on a limb, producing ever improving artistic achievements until they're up there with the best in the Metropolis. And before I get to the nitty gritty there are a couple of other reasons. I have been away from the site for some time, learning words for a one-man play I will be performing in Chapter in May. 'Watch this space!'. They are now learnt (more or less) so I thought this would be a good point to dip my foot in the reviewing water again also I have a special feel for this play. My flat mate in 1960 in London was the understudy for the main role and I spent a day as an actor working with actor David Baron alias writer Harold Pinter in his TV play 'Night Out'
So back to the Sherman and a packed house ranging from young trendies to tie wearing oldies with blue rinse partners all creating an exciting anticipatory hubble. The clever design of Sean Crowley set the atmosphere before the play had started. This was intensified by the opening tableau with Sean Kearney's 'Mick' black haired and black suited in sharp contrast with the dim sepia of the room -a piece of living fine art. The action of the play was more down to earth and realistic. The strength of Owen Garmon's Davies was the believable elegance of his acting; this was the sort of nutty old man you meet in a Cardiff Street if you stay out too late at night. At the same time Pinter's ability to write people talking nonsense with relatively coherent dialogue coupled with director Dave Bond's realistic interpretation made for an ongoing unnerving experience relieved by the laughter from the fine comedy timing of all the cast.
In keeping with the realistic acting there were few Pinter 'pauses' in this production whether they would have added to the menacing tone of the piece is hard to say. I would have liked a touch more of an indication of mental disturbance from Keith Woodason's endearing bewildered Aston for the outset though his description of his time under brain surgery was masterly. I felt that at times the cast resisted the opportunity to draw the audience into the play with them but that's probably the old ham actor in me speaking and did it seem to go on just a little bit too long?
Perhaps we all need a caretaker. Certainly those of us who find one are extremely fortunate. Where were these people? Had they been anywhere? I don't think Davies, or was it Jenkins, had been anywhere near Sidcup and he was never going to get there. Would any of them ever go anywhere? Will any of us go anywhere? "What about me…?" What about all of us…? Instability and self-doubt will always be with us. Pinter's sixties play will always be alive and relevant.
I look forward to the next visit from the Torch but meanwhile there are lots of good things at the Sherman. |
Reviewed by: Michael Kelligan
back to the list of reviews |
This review has been read 3124 times
There are 81 other reviews of productions with this title in
our database:
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (02 May 2024)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (08 December 2023)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (07 December 2023)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Darryl Dickson (04 October 2018)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (10 May 2018)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (12 March 2018)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Eifion Jenkins (20 February 2018)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Tim Barrett (04 December 2017)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (18 October 2017)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Tim Barrett (13 October 2017)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (20 August 2016)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (20 July 2016)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (04 March 2016)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (13 October 2015)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (09 December 2013)
- At the Torch- reviewed by John Cole (13 March 2013)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (03 December 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (10 November 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Amanda Griffiths (15 October 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (08 October 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Jessie Condon (05 October 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Jessie Condon (03 August 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Victor Hallett (16 May 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (10 May 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (27 April 2012)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Victor Hallett (09 June 2011)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (14 May 2011)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (15 December 2010)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (11 October 2010)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Tim Barrett (19 August 2010)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (13 August 2009)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (07 August 2009)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (04 August 2009)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Adam Somerset (26 April 2009)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Tim Barrett (12 December 2008)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (05 April 2008)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (04 December 2006)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (25 October 2006)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (20 July 2006)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Michael Kelligan (09 March 2006)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters, The Stage (16 February 2006)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (12 February 2006)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Terry Johnson, The Stage (15 October 2005)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Fiona Phillips (12 October 2005)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (06 October 2005)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Simon Carr. Western Telegraph (09 December 2004)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (23 October 2004)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Emma Jones, Western Telegraph (21 October 2004)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Walters, Milford Mercury (21 October 2004)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Graham Williams (10 March 2004)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (06 February 2004)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (10 February 2003)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Vivien Stoddart (06 February 2003)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Jenny Hanson, Tenby Observer (05 February 2003)
- At the Torch- reviewed by ANDREW DAVIES, TENBY OBSERVER (31 January 2003)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Viv Stoddart, The Stage (06 December 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (06 December 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by JENNY HANSON (06 December 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by ANDREW DAVIES, TENBY OBSERVER (06 December 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Assorted Edinburgh papers (02 August 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Zoe Hewett (26 March 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Zoe Hewett (09 March 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Rebecca Nesvet (28 February 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Viv Stoddart, The Stage (21 February 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Andrews Davies (15 February 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by MILFORD & WEST WALES MERCURY (15 February 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Keith Johnson, Western Telegaph (13 February 2002)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Tenby Observer (07 December 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Viv Stoddart, Milford Mercury (07 December 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Janet Bott (07 December 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Fiona Phillips (05 December 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Vivien Stoddart (26 October 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (11 September 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (09 August 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Victoria Cooper (10 March 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Elaine Atack (03 March 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Rebecca Nesvett (28 February 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Vivien Stoddart (The Stage) (15 February 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (14 February 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by Ron Waters (08 February 2001)
- At the Torch- reviewed by David Adams (21 October 2000)
|
| |
