The Diary of Anne Frank

This is an inspired choice of production for this 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Although most people know the story of the Franks, to see it on the stage adds a further clarity.

The design and construction of the set help to show the restricted living conditions in the secret annexe. I can imagine it would have helped the actors to get into the feel of characters.

All of the performances were very believable; Carly Tremaynes portrayal of Anne Frank showed the change from excitable young girl embarking on an adventure to a maturing young lady beautifully. The nerves and stress of the situation the Franks found themselves in were brought to life by Nicky Main (Edith Frank) and Clare Noy (Margot Frank).  There was a subtle and sensitive playing of Mr van Daans breakdown at one point of the confinement by Jim Finch, a moment that could have been easily overacted.

The whole production was sensitively handled with gravitas and dignity, the end especially so. After the discovery of the families by the Nazis and a brief pause, Otto Frank, Anne’s father (Keith Norfolk) returns to the stage to finish the story of what happened after they were found. The audience are left with Anne’s words projected on to the set before the curtain falls. There are no bows, we are left in reflective silence, a fitting end to moving and emotive performance.

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