Written by Arthur Wing
Pinero
Directed by Tony
Turner
Canberra REP at
Theatre 3 to 9 April
Reviewed by Len Power
29 March 2017
Canberra REP’s new production of Arthur Wing Pinero’s 1898
play, ‘Trelawny Of The Wells’, gives us the opportunity to see a classic play
that is not often performed. Set in England
in the 1860s at the time when theatre presentation and acting styles were
becoming more realistic, it’s basically a love story between a young actress
and her upper class intended.
Tony Turner has skilfully directed a large cast of
characters with great attention to detail in acting style and social
manners. Jerry Hearn as the irascible
Sir William Gower gives a very believable performance of a formidable traditional
gentleman of the period. There is also
strong and nicely fussy work from Alice Ferguson as Miss Trafalgar Gower. Rob de Fries as Tom Wrench gives a thoughtful
balance to a theatrical character who also wants to be a serious
playwright. Alessa Kron is charming as
Rose Trelawny but is hard to hear at times.
There are some colourful performances from other cast members but not
everyone seems at ease with the style of playing required.
Ian Croker has designed an attractive, nicely detailed
period set with a good use of the revolving stage for the four set
changes. Anna Senior’s period costumes
are attractive and worn well by the cast.
There was a good combination of light and sound for the storm sequence
by Stephen Still, lighting, and Jon Pearson, sound.
Time hasn’t been kind to this old classic. There are long stretches of dialogue that
don’t advance the play and the story of the young lovers isn’t very
compelling. However, the play is
interesting for its period and its theatrical characters and anyone with an
interest in theatre and its history should see it.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast in Artsound FM 92.7’s ‘Artcetera’ program (9am Saturdays)
and ‘Dress Circle’ (3.30pm Mondays) and in other selected Artsound programs.