RAPPORT FRINGE ... MARGINAAL VERSLAG ... FRINGE BERICHT
Reviewing fringe theatre, film, art and performance in London and internationally credits
venues
|
awards
|
interviews
|
features
|
fashion
|
newsletter
|
recipes
|
news
|
gossip
|
home
|
about
|
dublin
|
edinburgh
|
links
|
contact
|
film
|
drinks Monday 3 November 08
Mrs Lemon's Lodger
Verdict: Taut, revelatory, magnificent
Edinburgh - Hill Street Theatre - August 03
Hill Street Theatre, 19 Hill Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JP. Venue 41. 8.40pm (1 hr). 1-25 August 03
Alan Norris lives in an Acton bedsit, a solitary man with an optimistic attitude to his uninteresting life. And today he's 40.
As Alan settles down to reenact a historical battle with toy soldiers, landlady Mrs 'Lemon' Lemonowska bounds in to give him a card - and collect the rent. She's off to bingo. There's a ring at the door.
The young man who enters contrasts diametrically with Alan. Nigel, from Summit Catering Services, wears dinner jacket and bow tie. His hair is blond, like an angel's might be. Alan wears brown slacks and a white shirt; he's homely and apparently insignificant. Nigel brings all of Alan's favourite treats to eat, and presents. Somebody knows Alan's tastes - cares for him too, perhaps. Who?
All this occurs in the first few minutes of this jewel of play. In its brief hour it unravels mystery after surprise. Its final enigma is disclosed at the last minute, as the secret of Summit Catering is revealed.
One of the many delights of this first-class piece of theatre is the method of writing. Ray Gardner understands excellence in plot construction and characterisation and puts it to work here. The detailed story of Alan and his complex life springs to life from the action of the play itself, rather than from dull, tension-slowing exposition. It's pure joy to watch, and to listen to, as each new scene peels open a new layer of the intriguing story locked within the play's ingenious structure.
Mrs Lemon's Lodger exists as a work of excellence (and fun) thanks to outstanding performances from an intelligent and gifted cast. Roy Blackburn grasps the central role of Alan Norris with a sure understanding of what makes this profound man tick. His progressive exposure of Alan's soul is a treat, and masterclass of fine minimal acting.
From the moment of Ritchie Zealand's entrance as the unusual butler, Nigel, the apparently straightforward story's knocked askew. His characterisation of Nigel injects the action with uncertainty, veering between menace and kindness. In his gifted hands, the butler leeches a particularly dangerous brand of charisma. A chilling, controlled and delightful performance.
The ebullient Mrs Lemon's played with bounce and grace by Linda Robertson. There's warmth and colour in Linda Robertson's portrayal - a universal landlady of the most enjoyable kind. Hannah Dee, as Pat and Val, delivers two crucial performances with an emotional presence the more effective for its controlled restraint.
Writer/director Ray Gardner acts two roles he's neatly inserted into the script to wrap up a couple of pieces of important and shameless exposition. It's so cunningly done (and well-acted) that in both cases the device works excellently - we receive the necessary information, and there's no slowing of pace. Here's a master at work.
Mrs Lemon's Lodger is a taut and original piece of theatre, well-written, well-directed, and well-presented by an excellent cast. Magnificent.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Roy Blackburn (Alan Norris). Hannah Dee (Pat Price, Val, Detective Constable Hulley). Ray Gardner (Man, Detective Inspector Briant). Linda Robertson (Mrs Lemon). Ritchie Zealand (Butler, Dad).
Company Credits: Written and directed by Ray Gardner. Company - Ray Gardner Productions in association with CPL Entertainment Enterprises. Technical Manager - theatre staff.
END
John Park
reviewed Monday 25 August 03 / Edinburgh / Hill Street Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
