Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 19th March 2022
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
An Hour And A Half Late is an adaptation by Belinda Lang (who also directed this fabulous production) from the French play written by Gérald Sibleyras and Jean Dell. The story concerns Peter’s attempts to leave on time for a celebratory party being thwarted by Laura (his wife) who initiates a conversation that makes them (you’ve guessed it) late.
At it’s heart the play is a study of a long time married couple or, more precisely, of their past roles and decisions and their contemplation of the future as they near Peter’s retirement and explore Laura’s anxiety about what she will do now that their last child has gone away to study and Peter spends more time at home.
We’ve always known Griff Rhys Jones (Peter) is an undisputed comic talent beloved for decades. From tonight’s performance it’s clear that his comic star burns as brightly as ever. His opening unspoken section alone is almost an acting masterclass into how to set a scene and tell a backstory with an economy of physical gestures and is worth the price of admission alone. He has a charmingly affable on stage presence which is a pleasure to behold and I was particularly taken, also, by the depth of his dramatic acting.
Janie Dee (playing Laura) had arguably the greater emotional arc during the play. To make a character who is facing inner turmoil in the beginning so very likeable and to extract the level of empathy she did was quite a feat, evidence of what a superb performance this was. I felt for, I laughed with and I rooted for her. She was magnificent.
But it was the journey the couple took together that was most impressive. They shone most brightly as a totally believable couple, not just individually. I was particularly impressed by the range of emotions they wrought; pathos, concern, upset, frustration, surprise… and all done with a naturalness that does their acting (and Lang’s direction) credit. Flawless performances with a genuine chemistry between them. It is a fast paced show having very little let up in the conversation and yet it felt totally natural and never hurried.
Whether you’re in a long term relationship, are of a certain age (nearing retirement) or are finding yourself looking at an empty nest, you will no doubt see yourself at some point in this play – and will love it too. I honestly didn’t think the play would be as funny as it was and I wasn’t the only one judging by the guffaws reverberating around the auditorium.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening out and one I would recommend unreservedly – in fact, tickets for this show should be given on the NHS as couples therapy! Just try not to squirm too much when you recognise your quirks lampooned in the dialogue. An unadulterated joy and a very deserved 5 stars.