The Father

I had recognised the title – The Father – because of the Oscar winning performance by Anthony Hopkins some years ago, but I hadn’t seen the movie and so my only prior expectation was that it would be about an elderly man descending into dementia. It was so much more….

Tim Hinchliffe presented as Andre the ‘elderly’ man in question. Debonair, physically fit, charming and ‘young for his age’ … all the trappings of someone who still had enthusiasm for life. He looked raring to go – not quite ready for the situation that was in the offing of living with his daughter… Indeed, why would he? A stalwart and wonderful performance.

Cheryl Marksford playing Anne, Andre’s daughter, was truly in tune with her character – considered, warmly balancing the displeasure of her husband with her decision to look after her ageing father.  Stephen Scales as Pierre, Anne’s husband, was an effective, subtle actor frustrated by the loss of his wife's attention. 

We the audience were as innocent as Andre was of the changes that were set in motion… So, cleverly written, and interpreted by Director Amanda Hunt and acted by Tim – we were made comfortable in that illusion. 

The play progressed so subtly – I was a little taken aback when Andre started to complain about losing something and gentle introductions to the decline in his well-being. We, the audience, had no reason to disbelieve his suspicions… 

We, the audience, had entered Andre’s world of decline. Who? What? Why? We felt as Andre felt - unsettled, confused, disorientated. This was truly an education for many of us. 

Effective ‘devices’ ensured that we the audience engaged in the process involuntarily and immediately – a feeling that lasted long after leaving the theatre. The pace was excellent, word perfect acting was spellbinding. 

It is clear that everyone involved with this production had excelled in their roles. 

Director Amanda Hunt had a wonderful team of creatives to realise this exceptional production. Congratulations – an evening that I’m sure will stay with everyone a very long time. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.