‘Male of the Species’

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33814, 10 April 1975, Page 14

‘Male of the Species’

“The Male of the Species,” by Alun Owen. Directed by Vai May. Theatre Royal, April 9-19. Running time: 2hr 35min. “I’m just a plain man and you can like it or lump it.. .” is how Edward Woodward announces himself towards the start of Owen’s play. He adds: “And most of them like it . . Like it indeed they do, especially when he moves into a character not altogether unlike Callan towards the end of the evening. But the context of his statement is actually one of his frequent bouts of swaggering chauvinism. and Owen’s play is constructed so that Woodward works through three different parts, all of them predatory sex games involving the same woman. The play itself is a good; choice, considering the requirements of touring com-; mercial shows. There is plenty of good comedy, especially towards the start of each act, and there is an edge of seriousness which, though probably too blunt for some, certainly helps continuity-

. Far from being an impedijment, the numerous set j changes are made a delight <by Voytek’s splendid design, 'and, perhaps most important, I the whole thing offers a good I commercial vehicle for Woodaward’s acting. As usual, the i theatre enthusiast will find 'himself frustrated by the ’programme list of classic i parts that the principals have ’ done and not brought to ’Christchurch, but at least we are allowed to see Michele I Dotrice coping splendidly with a multi-faceted character, and Woodward moving through a variety of them (a joiner, a titled barrister, and a draftsman). The Australian supporting cast is uniformly competent, though not over-worked; they are considerably better than the Australian supporters in "Doctor in the House,” they’ |have a better play to work; I with, and several of them: ifnotably Gavin Hamilton)! contribute some good epi-j sodes of their own. John; Larking, the only real New; Zealand actor, puts in a very! popular appearance in the j first act. but is not seen | again. However, it is Woodward’s!

evening, and he rises to it splendidly; it is a most demanding part, and he does not rely on the amplification that has been needed to prop up other British professionals recently. His stage presence is unflinching: vocally and physically, he is a master of the theatre. —H.D.McN.