Two at Otley Courthouse

WITHOUT doubt, this is one of the finest theatre performances I have seen for a long time in the Leeds area. Reform Theatre must be applauded for the way they used the two actors in their various roles to portray a cross section of life in the bar which is the setting for this tragic-comedy.

The two performers, hence the title of the play, Keith Hukin (who was also the producer) and Susan Mitchell were outstanding and the depth of characters, their ages and characteristics, they played was truly remarkable. And the fact they played so many varying characters of differing ages shows true acting ability.

The play covers one evening in a northern bar during which we meet a collection of characters. Either through duologue or monologue each share with the audience details of the crisis he or she is experiencing in a relationship, crises that vary in nature and degree.

Various scenes between the Landlord and Landlady who have problems of their own, their relationship with each other and a hidden tragedy, which is revealed at the end of the play, cleverly link these discrete performances. As evidence of their problems intensifies, and an understanding of the nature of the problem dawns, the play reaches the climax followed by the ultimate resolution of the problem.

The fact that all the customers are played by the two performers enhances the context in which their own crisis is acted out, whilst one character near to the end, the little boy, precipitates the eventual acknowledgements required for the final reconciliation.

The play contains a great deal of humour, which beautifully contrasts with the sections of tragedy, preparing the audience to share the devastation experienced by the Landlord and Landlady. The resolution, when it comes, is thus all the more powerful in its dramatic effect.

This was an excellent production by Reform Theatre and Harrogate Theatre in association with Middlesbrough Theatre.

For anyone who missed it at Otley Courthouse last week, it is on at Harrogate Theatre until Saturday this week.

by John Burland