Yvonne Arnaud – until 13th April
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Barney Norris’ adaptation of this piece is distinctly different from the film and book, although he stays true to author Ishiguro’s storyline. In essence a tale of unrequited love. In complexity, a menagerie of wrong decisions that lead to broken hearts, failed political careers and complete loss of faith in your own beliefs.
All this told through the memories of a quintessential English butler called Mr Stevens (Stephen Boxer). Stevens lives through a time when his profession is dying out and he is beginning to wonder if he has given his life to it for nothing. Particularly when considering his undying love and admiration for Miss Kenton (Niamh Cusack).
Steven’s previous employer Lord Darlington (Miles Richardson) earned the reputation of the Appeaser, through his efforts to broker good relations between England and Germany, just before the Second World War.
In an iconic scene where Lords and politicians are holed up at Darlington Hall in negotiations, Sir David (Stephen Critchlow) bullies Stevens (Boxer) to prove to his fellow Lords there is little point in consulting the plebites on such matters. Although a line directly out of the original script, the resonance with our present political storm is not lost on the audience, creating a ripple of laughter.
It takes a while to get used to the fluid transition between years, with scenes from different decades transposing on one another. Although you have to concentrate you soon tune in to Stevens train of thought.
We were treated to the Creative Team’s clever use of skims and sliding wall sections, coupled with the delightful rhythm of the ensemble as they move the set around.
The poignant final scene between Stevens (Boxer) and Kenton (Cusack) is delivered from the heart, creating a palpable yearning in the auditorium for a happy ending. I am so glad Norris stuck to the original story!
The quality of this piece reflects the calibre of the cast, the creativity of the Director (Christopher Haydon) and the skilled craft of both author (Ishiguro) and playwright (Barney Norris).