It is nearly sixty years since Christopher Fry established his
reputation for comedy with serious undertones with The Lady’s Not for Burning.
Since then his popularity has gradually dwindled as theatrical fashion has
moved towards realism and Fry’s plays are not so often performed. It is
therefore a great bonus for the Fringe that The Garden Suburb Theatre from
Hampstead has brought its production of the play to Buxton and bravely defied
the notoriously fickle Peak District weather by performing in the open air.
The Square forms a good performance space
with its weathered stone arcade readily conjuring up the fifteenth century
backdrop where the drama is set. Fry does not call upon his actors for much in
the way of action. Instead extensive speeches are delivered which, while they
demonstrate Fry’s acknowledged verbal cleverness, result in
,many of the actors having to remain on stage for long periods doing nothing
except remaining in character. That the company handled this so well is a
tribute to directors, Colin Gregory and John Colmans.
The starring role, that of the old soldier,
Thomas Mendip is a peach of a part . Andy Farrer grasped it with both hands and
gave a scintillating performance persuading us that asking to be executed for a
crime he did not commit is the most natural thing in the world. He was ably
supported by the talented cast who can be congratulated for holding the
audience to the end in spite of arctic temperatures and clouds of midges!