REVIEW: A Single Man at Park Theatre 200

The place historic snapshots are involved 1962 was a momentous yr. John F. Kennedy was US President and the Beatles launched their first single. Marilyn Monroe died and the Nineteen Sixties, as we got here to grasp them, have been about to be unleashed. In October the Cuban Missile Disaster threatened Armageddon. East and West have been locked in a lethal sport of brinkmanship because the world held its breath. Set towards this backdrop is a story of affection and loss hidden in plain sight. Primarily based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man was became a profitable movie starring Colin Firth in 2009. This stage adaptation by Simon Reade now finds a pure residence at Park Theatre.

George (Theo Fraser Steele) is an expatriate English professor in Los Angeles. He’s nonetheless coming to phrases with the lack of his associate Jim in a highway accident the earlier yr. The story follows at some point in his life, starting similar to every other. George nonetheless looks like an Englishman overseas even after 20 years on the West Coast. His neighbours are ever interested by this erudite gentleman of their midst. Archetypal American couple the Strunks (Phoebe Pryce and Freddie Gaminara) marvel what occurred to his ‘good friend’ Jim. George is content material to allow them to suppose he simply moved away quite than clarify his melancholy. He continually fights loneliness and leans on fellow ex-pat Charley (Olivia Darnley) for consolation. Nonetheless, his attentions are more and more diverted by good-looking, talkative pupil Kenny (Miles Molan).

Despite the fact that the story has already obtained the massive display therapy it fits the stage simply as effectively. The intimate set is sparsely populated with props that rapidly double up as they’re rapidly moved into place for every scene. So the visible fuss is minimal and permits the narrative to breathe. The forged delivers well-controlled performances in a chunk that units the historic context from the outset. The supporting characters transfer gently round George as insights reveal progressively extra of a posh persona. Theo Fraser Steele is in commanding type and owns the position of George. His hanging resemblance to Colin Firth does him no hurt and gives a helpful reference level to the movie. Fairly merely, a wonderful adaptation of an awesome novel that feels refreshed nearly 60 years after it was revealed. One other smash hit for the Park Theatre and additional proof their high quality management division is working its socks off.

Evaluation by Brian Penn

Ranking: ★★★★