Midsummer

On the opening night the two protagonists gave an impressive performance in this play on midsummer weekend in Edinburgh where the two characters, an unlikely match, kept us spellbound. Claire Withnell plays the educated divorce lawyer who has been stood up by her married lover and who is strongly attracted to this man in a pub. John Knox plays this man Bob who is from another social world, a petty criminal, edgily waiting for a contact to pick up keys for a stolen car. The opening approach by Helena is deconstructed three times until they do get together and share a sex driven and drunken weekend - but within this is also a deconstruct of their lives and their self loathing. This sounds dark but the play works because the dialogue and responses are humane and hilarious. Claire Withnell and John Knox had great rapport and their objectives were tuned in dialogue that was seamlessly delivered with lines timed to elicit humour and pathos. They made going to bed together seem natural, their initial difficulties there sparking humour while also revealing their need to escape / atone for what has happened in their lives. Both have a secret that affects their life and view of themselves. Every move that Claire Withnell made was studied, calculated and practical, as in the hangover scene, yet behind it she is tortured by her secret worry. Her neat change of clothing from dressed up evening (little black dress) to night clothes and to red jacket resonated with her mood. John Knox delivered his character, seemingly in control of events, like his reading in the pub, but not in control of his life, in hock to a gangster and caught by his past into a yearning for what he has lost. Both sang in harmony the songs which revealed just as much sadness and frustration. The direction was tight and compact. The set was dominated by the bed in central position with its head to the audience. The red ribbons/ropes evoked the bondage scenes. The rest of the action was in front with the characters easily moving chairs and props. On stage throughout was the guitarist Roddy Bain setting the pub scene and being accompanist. This was a well delivered opening night, giving the audience first class entertainment, a satisfying ending and food for thought as good drama should. Congratulations too on your 70th year.

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