The Handyman

Poulton Drama have a reputation for tackling a wide variety of productions and this is yet another intriguing offering by this very experienced company. Sensitively directed by Stephanie Heney, this play was a very challenging, thought provoking and powerful play giving the audience a great many issues to consider. Robert Harwood has written several plays, all of which are of a very high standard. The setting of the play seems idyllic with a lovely back projection of a beautiful garden in Sussex, obviously well tended by “Romka”, gardener, retainer, handyman and friend of the family. Birds were singing and all seemed calm and serene and we the audience were soon feeling relaxed. This feeling, however, was changed abruptly, when Police arrived to confront “Romka” with accusations of historic war crimes. We began to feel uncomfortable as the story unfolded. We were involved in a roller coaster of emotions when we realised that there are many parallels with recent events in the news. Are we to decide whether society should expect retribution or are we actually seeking revenge for crimes committed in other places and in other times? There was some atmospheric music and lighting and very effective back projection to convey the relevant mood. Two cameo roles by Pauline Hyland as Sister Sophia and Ian Rowe as Nikita Fedorenko were outstanding showing their obvious experience and Michael Buckley as Roman Rozachenko ( Romka) showed a great range of emotion as he was made to confront his demons. I was disappointed, at times by lack of diction and projection by some of the characters but a very appreciative audience left, to ponder on the many questions raised by this very interesting piece. I look forward to the next production by this excellent company.

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