The Caretaker

Royal and Derngate, Northampton, Oct 17-28

A bold new version of Pinter’s masterpiece forms part of their Made in Northampton 2017 season, directed by Christopher Haydon in co-production with Bristol Old Vic. The Caretaker explores everyone’s search for a sense of belonging in a world where the line between truth and reality is constantly in flux.

It sees Aston welcome the homeless Davies into his dilapidated flat, sheltering him from the violence of the streets. Recognising an opportunity, Davies attempts to leave his past behind and start again. Landlord Mick confronts the guest and the three men begin to circle one another suspiciously, each desperate to turn the situation to their advantage, whatever the cost. Patrice Naiambana, playing the iconic role of Davies, is joined by dynamic young actors David Judge and Jonathan Livingstone, in bringing this radical revival of Pinter’s classic to life for a new generation.

The vulnerability and aggression in the homeless Davies and the bitter wrangling between the brothers who offer him a kind of asylum rings out with startling clarity, resonating with presentday social tensions between those who feel they “belong,” and those who do not.