One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

ROTHERHAM REP.  Wednesday 12th February 2014

‘ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST’

This was a production to be very proud of. The play, dealing with the lives of the residents of a Mental Institution in Oregan, U.S.A. during the 1960’s, became famous as a film but once again the intimacy of the stage setting is so much more telling. There was excellent characterization, showing the mental and sometimes physical problems, which brought each individual to this place. Much thought and hard work had obviously gone into the rehearsing of this play and everyone involved is to be congratulated. Elliot Montgomery as the often hot headed but also concerned McMurphy gave a well rounded portrayal as he tried to change the rule bound lives of those around him, fighting a slowly losing battle with Nurse Ratched (Liz Montgomery). Shaun McHale’s Chiswick was exceptional, closely followed by Steven Coward, Frank Berry and Richard Wilshire as Martini, Bibbit and Bromden all making particularly strong contributions.  

The simple setting was exactly right and the use of lighting effects within the Nurse’s Office added to the drama. The tragic ending was very well portrayed leaving one with a lingering fear of what did and could happen unbeknown to the outside world.

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