Private Fears in Public PLaces

Ayckbourn's plays are always thought-provoking and this was no exception. Playing it in the round meant no fewer than seven different locations could be featured using key pieces of furniture and very selective lighting. Since there were fifty four scenes in all, this format meant the action could proceed without losing pace.All the six actors we saw, plus the extra one we heard all too clearly off stage, deserve fulsome praise. Lines were delivered crisply and clearly. The only small drawback is one that happens whenever 'in the round' is selected when some of the audience cannot see the all important facial expressions. However, the body language spoke volumes which was a great help.Since this play deals with people's private fears, despite there being quite a lot of comedy, deep feelings of sorrow must be felt at times by the audience. However, I found myself completely rapt by the clever interaction of the various characters. There was very little about this play with which I could find fault. Congratulations to all concerned.

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