Repertory comedy

Press, 23 February 1987, Page 8

Repertory comedy

“Enter a Free Man,” by Tom Stoppard, directed by Penny Giddens, Repertory Theatre, Kllmore Street, February 21 to 28. Running time: 8 p.m. to 18.lt p.m. Reviewed «>y E,od y Repertory has gone back Ito an early Tom Stoppard script tor its first play of the 1987 season. “Enter a Free Man” is a straightforward yet perceptive comedy about the family life and the fight for self-respect by George Riley, a hapless, unemployed inventor. His wife, Persephone, and hfc daughter, Linda, had always provided an environment in which George (played by David Bridges) is nurtured in his fantasies and protected physically and financially. The performances of the three lead players are marked by sincerity and control. AU of them are capable of creating both poignancy and Uvely eA. In spite of somdfe imitations in delivery'

style these actors interact well and demonstrate vividly one of the central themes of the play: “there’s two of us in everyone.” As the play progresses, Linda’s (Kirsten Hutton) own relationship problems sap her abUity to continue to protect her father. Her impatience and embarrassment with him come to the fore in some dramatic scenes where her anger and his pride confront each other. Both characters decide to leave home: Linda to pursue her latest boyfriend, and George to set up a factory making double-gummed envelopes with his “partner” and new "girlfriend.” Each of them is equally unsuccessful in their attempt and finally they both return home to their long-suffer-ing, all-caring wifemother, played by Sylvia Buckland. The production is a little uneven. Among the rest of the cast only Greg Lovatt and Tim Parks

stand out There are well paced exchanges between Lovatt and David Bridges, whereas Tim Parks manages to capture the essence of a naive but eager able seaman.

A drab, if not ugly, set complements the lifestyle of the Riley family. Escape for George is the dull little pub along the road which does not even stock a bottle of champagne in case of a celebration. But it is here that George is able to play the "free man” if only for a few hours each week. In spite of a very wordy script, David Bridges engages the audience in an amusing and sympathetic way.

Penny Giddens’ direction is thorough and well paced. Her cast have a clear understanding of their roles and the play draws inevitably to its circular completion. It is a production which will provide entertainment but not .without provoking seriouL moments worth refledHhg on.