The Anastasia File

In July 1918 Tsar Nicholas II, his family and servants were assassinated by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg, however there followed rumors that one of the daughters had survived the massacre and escaped. In Berlin on 17th February 1920 an unknown woman was taken out of the water at the Landweir Canal after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. She was taken to an asylum where she exhibits irregular behavior; she also has no known next of kin and no background history. She does not interact with anyone at first, but then gradually begins to talk. There is an investigation by a German Police Inspector who tries to identify the women, he asks for help in this task from the medical staff who care for her. At first the women won’t tell them who she is and where she comes from but then gradually she begins to offer information. Rumours circulated that the unknown woman was the Tars youngest daughter – The Grand Duchess Anastasia. The story she tells and information she gives when questioned all appear to support this theory. There is a change in her attitude and she then tries to convince people of her true identity, she gradually earns the trust of the Inspector who believes her but even more importantly she has to convince what is left of Anastasia’s family and friends who are not eager to support her claim. This goes on for many years and the woman’s fortunes are ever changing; she even lives for a time in the U.S.A. with a childhood friend of Anastasia. Eventually the woman marries a wealthy American, Mr Manahan, and settles in the U.S.A. The question is did the daughter of Tsar Nicholas II die with the rest of the imperial family in 1918? Or was she the girl found in an asylum in 1920?

Although now out of date as the remains of Anastasia were identified by DNA testing in 2007 which proved she was murdered with her family in 1918, this play by Royce Ryton is still a well plotted emotional executed drama, full of intrigue and still as enjoyable today as when first performed. It presents the case for and against the mystery women in her claim that she is the Grand Duchess Anastasia youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II .It was originally staged using only four actors, but in this production five actors are used to(in the words of the Director) help the flow of the piece. These actors include one actor for the would be Anastasia, one actor for the police inspector who also plays his own son at the beginning and the end of the play, and a further male and two female actors who play between them thirty parts. The story is told in flashbacks and I would imagine it potentially could be a very difficult play to perform. However this was an enjoyable outstanding production by “The Ormskirk Theatre Company” and was a suitable choice for the first play to be performed in their new performance space “Upstairs at Disraeli’s” The stage area was rather limited but the performers utilized it well changing scenes subtly with just the movement of books, chairs, other small props or even with a change of character from the actors. The venue itself is very intimate which I felt added to the intrigue as you could see every nuance and facial expression from the actors, you also felt you were in the room with the actors as the action unfolded

The play was directed by Gary Simpson who also used his talent on the stage with great effect playing the Inspector and the Inspector’s son as well. Pat Baker’s portrayal of the woman/Anastasia was exceptional and very moving; she was also able to play different ages with ease and believability. Alan Thompson played many characters sometimes one after the other. He was able to separate the characters very well and each one could be identified from the others. Sometimes it was done with just a change of a hat or a coat or even by a change in the intonation of the voice. All these many changes could have been very confusing but he coped extremely well. Emily Grogan and Charlotte Taylor also played a number of roles with skill and ease sometimes they were also in quick succession. All the actors in this play were very versatile and talented and should be congratulated on their performances.

Congratulations to Gary Simpson and to all involved in this outstanding production and also Alan Baker on Lighting and sound and Carol Thompson and the front of house staff. Thank you for inviting me I really enjoyed my evening with you

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