Review ~ Forgotten, The Cut, Halesworth, 1st April 2016

For me, a well made programme always gives me an idea, albeit it in a very small way, of the commitment and level of the production about to be seen. If Stuff of Dreams' programme for their opening night of 'Forgotten' was anything to go by, we were in for quite a piece of theatre; as detailed and lavish as the booklet that we purchased at the start.

I'm a big fan of Stuff of Dreams. Their previous two shows were terrific stories on stage, and tonight's production had been eagerly awaited by myself, having been able to read some of the script by Ray Rumsby, a local writer and academic.

'Forgotten' tells the story of East Anglian poet George Crabbe (Thomas Wingfield) much loved and appreciated by the region. Perhaps most famous for his poem 'Peter Grimes' (from 'The Borough' read it here: Peter Grimes) this work was made into a famous opera by Benjamin Britten. It is familiar to myself from playing 'Bob' in the 'Private Ear' which features a section from the opera. The poem is quite different however, painting Grimes as a ruthless child killer and quite mad. Crabbe here is seen as a humanitarian, a man concerned with poverty. Bells are rung with our current 21st situation under 'austerity'.  It wasn't all easy for Crabbe of course, having to beg and borrow in order to realise a life for him and his wife Sarah (Kiara Hawker). Personally, as a sometime writer myself, I related to his struggles, I found the need to create a theme that the production expressed well.

Through a meeting of theatrical conventions his life is laid out - it is as closely observed as his own poetry observed the myriad facets of Norfolk and Suffolk life. From the opening image of a modern university lecturer to the final powerful tableaux, the action is detailed and non stop, scene changes happening quickly even for shorter scenes with set being struck in situ, sometimes still in character. Actors play a number of roles from the man's life and are onstage throughout, Brechtian style, easily seen by the audience to don a hat and reenter as a comedy landlady or sincere maid. Props are used as well as mime. I enjoyed the mime of the dog and baby, both comic moments beautifully placed.

The language is grounded yet rings with it's own poetry and is very powerful in places, despite the accents sometimes too thick for this non native. One of Crabbe's poems is played out in a surreal narrative that is frankly a challenge to follow at times, but meeting theatrical conventions with aplomb is what I have come to expect from Stuff of Dreams.

Cordelia Spence's direction does new things, fully exploring her set, pulling us in as an audience to intimate moments, taking us into the very fabric of the poet Crabbe's mind, which clearly was a detailed and at at times lonely place. Lighting and sound aided this competently and again, the language seemed a character all of it's own, interspersed with Crabbe's own work.

The cast was strong, each manifestation by turns amusing or bittersweet, having definite particulars to the roles. Hayley Evenett shone as Phoebe and Lucy, whilst her landlady amused, as did Neve Doyle's numerous fishermen along with a very disagreeable Mrs. Crabbe.
Tom Wingfield had a pathos that was palpable and his ageing was deft and believable, whilst Kiara Hawker as Crabbe's wife, had beautiful singing solos.

Particular mention must be made of Nick Murray Brown, who blew me away as Peter Grimes. Nick Murray Brown's Grimes' shook the very foundations of the Cut last night, echoing a human agony that reached back through history itself. His commitment to the role was staggering and inspiring, a figure whose very appearance caused gasps. He pulled from himself a timeless portrayal, one for the ages and should indeed me commended.  For me, this was the highlight. I was moved to holding my breath, edge of my seat, grasping my partners hand as his wild eyes begged us all for forgiveness. A towering performance.

On the whole, it's a big show with a keen eye for the questions it wants to ask of Crabbe. If you are familiar with George Crabbe, you are in good company but if like me, you are a layman, it is an intellectual introduction to the life and work of an interesting man, realised with dedication and a firm hold of stagecraft.

'But here he ceased and gazed
And still he tried to speak, and looked in dread
Of frightened females gathering round his bed;
Then dropped exhausted and appeared at rest,
Till the strong foe the vital powers possessed:
Then with an inward, broken voice he cried, 
"Again they come," and muttered as he died.'

Full details of the tour dates as well as booking available here :Stuff of Dreams Theatre