Look Back In Anger

John Osborne broke away from traditional upper class characters of the 1950s and put a lot of his own feelings as an ‘angry young man,’ post WW2 into the character of Jimmy Porter

As the house lights went down we were treated to some music of the era and then the curtain opened on to a brilliant set depicting a run-down one roomed flat. The attention to detail of 1950s furniture and even the authentic grocery packages in the ‘kitchen’ cupboards deserved the applause from the audience. Lighting and sound effects were used with great sensitivity.

Jimmy Porter, the ‘restless angry young man’, is an intelligent graduate working on a sweet stall by day and playing the trumpet in a band by night. He rages against the Establishment and class system that he feels has denied him opportunities and purpose. Ben Butler-Cole, in this part, worked very hard and quite successfully with this complex script. All the more remarkable as he was a last minute substitute and only had a week to learn the dialogue and, I am told, did not need one single prompt for the whole 7 performances. Jimmy takes out much of his frustration on his wife, Alison, played excellently by Bridget Collins. She remains silent through Jimmy’s rants, denying him the reaction he is trying to provoke. Bridget was particularly compelling when she returned after losing her baby, especially in her scenes with her friend Helena.

Mike Clarke gave the character of the Porter’s mutual friend Cliff, the reliable steadiness and occasional humour, which was much needed in this volatile relationship. When Alison’s actress friend, Helena (played with dignity and poise by Emmie Rhodes) arrives, she proves to be a catalyst for change in the marriage. She is critical of Jimmy at first and finds it difficult to adjust to becoming his lover when Alison leaves.

Completing the cast is Jonathan White in the cameo role of Alison’s father Colonel Redfern, a retired army officer, who also finds it difficult to adjust after army life in India.

This play may be bleak and difficult to watch at times with a lead character nearly always angry to vent his frustrations with life, but it is thought provoking, with first-rate direction and performances. A play not normally seen but it reminds audiences of the birth of what became known as ‘kitchen sink drama’.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.