It's the 1960s in Georgetown, Washington DC, USA. Judge Francis Biddle (Michael Craig) is by his own account an old man waiting to die. He meets his new secretary, hired for him by his ex-poet wife. The secretary is Sarah (with an h) Schoor (Meghan Popiel), who turns out to be as formidable in her own way as the judge.

It's a stormy relationship from the outset. The Judge, an old curmugeon crippled by arthritis and with 'a list of ailments stretching to Mount Rushmere' is as frustrated by his increasing age as it's possible to be. He turns his frustrations on those near at hand – notably his secretaries, who seem not to be able to cope with his acid tongue. Sarah is different.

She is 25, and has reserves of grit perhaps strengthened by her upbringing in the depths of Canada. The judge - as he points out - would have been 56 when she was born. But if he thinks that his age, or his many experiences – he has been Attorney General and served on the Nuremberg War Crimes trials - are going to allow him uncritical devotion, he's mistaken. Nor will Sarah let him lapse into inaction. Her philosophy when confronted by a problem is to 'lace up those skates and hit the ice'.

The way their relationship develops - often with difficulty, sometimes bitterly, gradual respect on both sides - is touching, funny, and revealing. The second act is more contemplative and subdued, but at its centre Trying is a life-affriming drama that isn't ashamed to be entertaining - and certainly provides a lot to think about. It's fresh, with a strong ring of truth; and with the savour of art about it.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Michael Craig - Judge Francis Biddle. Meghan Popiel - Sarah Schoor.

Company Credits: Writer - Joanna McClelland Glass. Director - Derek Bond. Designer - James Perkins. Lighting Designer - Sally Ferguson. Sound Designer - Kathryn Wilson. Assistant Director - Eleanor Rhode. Stage Manager - Evelyn K Stewart. Assistant Stage Manager - Rebecca Grey. Assistant Stage Manager - Kristin Loughry. Costume - Miriam North. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - Allan McKeown and Sarah Gregson in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre. Company - uncredited. Finborough Theatre: Artistic Director - Neil McPherson.

END

(c) Michael Spring 2009

reviewed Friday 20 March 09 / Finborough Theatre, London

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com