Separate Tables

Separate Tables is the collective name for two one-act plays, by Terence Rattigan, set in a South Coast hotel between 1954-55.

Diane Mayall’s excellent production, of these fine plays, beautifully evoked that time. The pacing was good; and both of the plays were thoroughly enjoyable…with no slow or weak moments.

The attractive programme echoed the set, which was absolutely superb. It was beautifully decorated as a hotel dining-room. The area was arranged to accommodate the many tables, with good access between them. The cast swiftly and efficiently converted this to the hotel’s lounge and back again. 

The lighting was atmospheric; and the music was delightful and evocative of the ‘50s.

The costumes were well chosen, appropriate to the period and to each character. Properties and furniture were also just right for those days. They looked good and the cast handled them casually and realistically.

All of the cast exhibited a very high standard of acting. All of the performances were natural and believable.

Lady Matheson (played by Jane Hogg) was gentle but spirited. It was a very fine characterisation. As was Linda Slater’s who, as Mrs Railton-Bell, bullied her and dominated her own fragile daughter, Sybil (Jane Khan).

There was lovely, eccentric playing of Miss Meacham, the racing tipster, by Jill Day. David Ames elicited sympathy as the lonely retired teacher, Mr Fowler, who waited in vain for his young guest to arrive.

Neil Mayall displayed a furious energy as John Malcolm. Brutal and self-pitying, his scenes with his ex-wife, Anne (elegantly played by Emöke Soprani) were stormy indeed.

Joanne Packham gave a beautifully understated portrayal of the selfless Miss Cooper. She cared for the welfare of all her guests; and one could sense her emotions churning as she put the happiness of her lover, John, before her own.

Roger Nelson (as Major Pollock) suffered a bit of first-night nerves, but that only served to enhance the character’s shifty, agitated nature. Whilst definitely dodgy, his character evoked sympathy from the other guests and the audience.

Kelly Cross and Kieran O’Neil played the young lovers, Jean and Charles. It was fascinating to see how much their characters changed after eighteen months and the addition of a young baby.

The waitresses Mabel (Ellie Arundel) and Doreen (Dee Coutts) were delightfully pert and over-familiar with the long-term guests, but good-hearted and friendly toward them.

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