YES
AND NO
Chichester Community
Theatre at New Park
Studio
15.07.2017
A
tiny unregarded gem from the complete works of Graham Greene,
immaculately performed in a small room, the last date
of its pop-up run which
has also included the public library and Pallant House.
It
shows, in twenty minutes, the rehearsal process, with an old-school
director and a naive
young actor. His interpretation in
a new play – new for 1981 – is giving
cause for concern. His co-stars are Dear Johnnie and Dear Ralph, whom
I remember as a lovely double-act back in the 70s. In
this play – by Frederick Privett, famous for his pauses – he
briefly attracts the attentions of Cruickshank/Sir John, between the
window cleaner and the French acrobat. His lines are restricted to
the monosyllables of the title. Cleverly, this is true of Greene's
drama also …
Excellent
performances from Steve Wallace – panama hat, hip flask – as the
director [a mammoth of a role, despite the brevity of the piece] and
Matthew Hughes-Short as the keen but bemused actor.
An
unexpected treat – free of charge, too – part of the Festival of
Chichester 2017.
