Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Saturday 22nd June 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
“Accolade,” is a gripping suspense-drama written by Emlyn Williams and directed by Sean Mathias. The play, originally presented in 1950, explores the dual life of Will Trenting, a successful novelist who finds his private escapades threatening to unravel his public persona. Despite its age, “Accolade” remains remarkably relevant in today’s world, where the private lives of public figures are often scrutinized by the media, with sometimes devastating consequences.
The story revolves around Trenting’s shocking discovery that his penchant for promiscuous sex parties has inadvertently exposed him to threats of extortion. Williams masterfully crafts a tense and revealing portrait of a man confronting the consequences of his actions.
Ayden Callaghan delivers a commanding performance as Will Trenting, perfectly capturing the character’s inner turmoil and the stark contrast between his public and private personas. Callaghan’s portrayal is tense and edgy when Trenting is with his family, yet relaxed and carefree among his louche lower-class companions, highlighting the character’s divided nature. Honeysuckle Weeks, as Trenting’s wife Rona, offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with her husband’s secret life. Narinder Samra, as the aggrieved father Daker, delivers a standout performance. He masterfully navigates between ingratiation and menace, creating a sly, captivating, confusing blackmailer who keeps the audience guessing.
Director Sean Mathias skilfully orchestrates the play’s dark tensions, maintaining a tight grip on the pacing and staging. The intimate stage setting lends itself well to the play’s intense and personal subject matter, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in Trenting’s unravelling world.
The excellent technical aspects of the production, including set design, lighting, costumes, and sound, work in harmony to create a convincing and atmospheric 1950s setting. The attention to detail in the set and costumes helps to ground the characters in their time and place, while the lighting and sound design effectively heighten the play’s suspenseful moments. Nick Riching’s lighting and Julie Godfrey’s design of the set and costumes, juxtaposing light and dark elements, serve to underscore the duality of Trenting’s character and the moral ambiguity at the heart of the play.
“Accolade” is a remarkable piece of theatre that has stood the test of time. Its bold exploration of morality, private desire, and public image remains as relevant today as it was in 1950. The production’s greatest strength lies in its ability to keep the audience engrossed in Trenting’s struggle, as he faces the consequences of his actions and the potential unravelling of his carefully constructed life. While the subject matter may be uncomfortable, the play’s unflinching examination of human nature and the complexities of desire make for a thought-provoking and emotionally impactful experience.
In conclusion, “Accolade” is a triumph, thanks to its stellar cast, expert direction, and the enduring power of Emlyn Williams’s script. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates bold, provocative, and emotionally charged theatre.