Look Back in Anger

This play has been recognised as a watershed in writing for the theatre as John Osborne broke away from the conventional middle/upper class characters who dominated the plays of the period. Osborne was himself 'an angry young man' post WW2 and poured much of his own feelings into the character of Jimmy Porter.

In the leading part the young Daniel Haigh worked very hard and successfully with the complex script, although his appearance did not quite match his frustrations with the world. as he saw it. As his wife Alison. Elizabeth Montgomery was particularly compelling as she returned after losing her baby, especially in her scenes with her erstwhile friend Helena.

Alex Wilson gave the character of Cliff the reliable steadiness and occasional humour so needed in the Porter's volatile relationship. Alex Moore was very effective initially as the middle class friend , very critical of Jimmy's attitude to life, finding the change to his lover more difficult to achieve. Completing the cast Bob Brown delivered an excellent cameo as Alison's father, retired army officer, who unlike Jimmy found England too much changed as he returned from many years service abroad.

The set was minimal but achieved the necessary claustrophobia of the run down, one roomed flat.

Congratulations to the director and cast for presenting a play not seen locally for many years and reminding the audience of the birth of what became known as 'kitchen sink drama'. 

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