Richard (Calvin) and Thomas Mendip (Andy Farrer)
Emma Solomons, Calvin Moore
Sarah Overall, Andy Farrer
Andy Farrer, Tim Solomons, Mark Overall
Mark Overall, Tim Solomons,
Andrew Craze
Diana Bromley, Bernard Smith, Tony Newton and Andrew Craze
Review from the Buxton Festival
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!