70s play will reverberate today
Sharp delivery and some masterful comic timing underpin New Era production
New Era Players: Lloyd George Knew My Father at New Era Theatre, Wash Common on November 18-20 and 23 to 27
Review by ANDY KEMPE
LLOYD George Knew My Father was last seen locally in 1995 when The Watermill’s presentation reflected protests surrounding the building of the Newbury bypass. Written in 1972 before the acronym NIMBY came into existence, the play has the distinct feel of a 70s TV sit-com; a pedigree acknowledged in this production by use of the theme tune from To the Manor Born as the overture.
The script does feel dated, but confident direction from
Marie Jacobs nullified this by accentuating characters over the plot.
The garish psychodelia of some of the costumes certainly reminded its audience of the period (possibly to the embarrassment of some of those present).
The plot is simple enough; a new road is to be built through the grounds of Boothroyd Hall. Lady Boothroyd vows to ‘do herself in’ if the construction goes ahead.
Her son, an MP with direct links to the powers that be, has failed to stop the project though Gareth Croft’s testiness makes it clear that he hasn’t tried very hard, being more concerned about his daughter’s budding relationship with long-haired freelance journalistic, Simon.
Lady Boothroyd pounces on the opportunity to use Simon to publicise her cause and intended drastic protest.
Meanwhile, Sir William Boothroyd bumbles around repeating anecdotes from his army days and going off on tangents resulting from his deafness. He accepts his wife’s plan as being more her business than his, but worries how it may affect a forthcoming luncheon engagement.
The lynchpins of this production were Sue Keer’s regal presence as the acerbic Lady Boothroyd and Keith Keer’s rather endearing Colonel Blimp-like Sir William. These performances were marked by sharp delivery and masterful comic timing. The trouble with the script is that it doesn’t leave the other characters, all proficiently played by the supporting cast, with much scope to exercise their own comic talents or emotional range. Being the brother of Prime
Minister Alec Douglas Home, author William Douglas Home’s father, probably did know Lloyd George. While local residents may not personally know the likes of Sir
While local residents may not personally know the likes of Sir William and Lady Boothroyd, the play may well resonate with those concerned about the Sandleford Park development
William and Lady Boothroyd, the play may well resonate with those concerned about the Sandleford Park development. In the end
Lady Boothroyd proclaims that her love for her dotty husband has outweighed her desire to make an albeit posthumous appearance on Panorama. I wonder if Boris Johnson will use a similar excuse in order in renege on his promise to lie down in front of the bulldozers when they start on Heathrow’s third runway.