Private Fears In Public Places

Private Fears In Public Places is not really typical of Alan Ayckbourn’s style. It is funny with, at times, almost black humour. On a single set which represented a hotel bar, a café, a house, two flats and an estate agent's office. This was an excellent piece of set construction, together with the use of clever lighting, switching seamlessly from scene to scene. Sound design played an important part as at one point the sound for the television channel changes and fast-forwarding had to synchronise with the ‘actor led’ pressing of the remote. Other subtle sound cues had to happen at the right moment which seemed to go without a hitch – well done.

The play concerns the everyday lives of 6 people. We become aware of how the lives of these characters gradually become entwined and what secrets some of them have. Nicola is looking for a flat for herself and fiancé but she is frustrated that he spends his time in the hotel bar instead of looking for a job. Stewart, her estate agent, fancies Charlotte at work but she is rather hung up on religion. Stewart lives with his sister Imogen who spends her evenings sitting in a café waiting for dating agency partners, who don’t turn up. Ambrose, the barman, employs Charlotte to look after his father while he is at work and then she reveals a different side to her character.

All performers were excellent. Bridget Collins as Nicola gave a well observed portrait of a young woman beginning to doubt her choice of soul-mate. Diction and facial expression were good. Interactions with Chris Woodward, as said soul mate Dan were believable. His comic timing was good, especially as someone ‘under the influence’, without going over the top. Larry Saunders as Stewart made a believable estate agent, keen to make a sale but very funny when he is caught watching ‘naughty’ videos. Imogen, his sister, was beautifully portrayed by Caroline Fenton and gave just the right amount of sisterly horror and disgust when she discovered her brother watching said ‘videos’. Her comic timing and facial expressions were also first class. Neil Harris gave a moving performance as barman Ambrose and some excellent interaction with Dan and Charlotte.  Plain Jane Charlotte, Emmie Rhodes, also gave a believable performance and really came to life when her ‘secret’ was revealed whilst looking after Ambrose’s father Arthur (Ralph Miller) who we never see, only hear his tirade of abuse hurled at both Ambrose and Charlotte, but unfortunately Charlotte’s ‘extra curricular activities’ cause him to have a fatal heart attack.

Kirrie Wratten’s direction kept the action moving and the excellent cast were obviously well rehearsed in their quick scene changes. An excellent production.

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