So what makes Graham Greene’s novel so ripe for the stage? Well it’s a story that for all its whimsy we can all relate to on some level, finding ourselves stuck in our existence and longing for adventure. I think all of us can look back to events and moments that have changed the course of our life.
Giles Harvegal’s adaptation, in the capable hands of director Caz Gilmore, takes a novel approach (all 5 actors are playing Henry Pulling as he plays the other characters) and makes it really work. The layout of the stage – mannequins and busts littered about liberally wearing hats, scarves, stick on facial hair and other ephemera used to create the idea of different characters – really helps keep the action moving without unnecessary levels of set design. There’s great use of projected captions too.
Jeanette Broad makes for a marvellously dotty Aunt Augusta, seemingly whimsical but with a will of iron and a lax interpretation of the law, though all the Henry’s get a chance to shine. Mike Palmer’s spaced out backpacker is great and it adds to the farce when he later pops up playing her father too! Ben Counter’s booming African consort Wordsworth is a particular delight withPeter Colley’s hotel receptionist the most wonderfully odd creation. The scene-stealer here though is John Moore who shows a picture is worth a thousand words in a pair of hilarious moments involving a photo frame and a box of acceessories.
This is a charming, bonkers, whimsical and ultimately rather touching production so head along and surrender to the eccentricity!
"I'm just focused on getting that third trophy and enjoying the rest of my time with the guys here." David Goodwin on preparing for Playoff Finals Weekend
photo courtesy of William Cherry, Press Eye It’s EIHL playoff final weekend! After eight months of toil, four teams will face off for the chance to lift the last silverware of the season. First up Belfast Giants take on Cardiff Devils so I caught up with David Goodwin to see how the team are feeling after a battle against Dundee Stars and how ready they are for the games ahead. It was, I suggest, an intense weekend for the team. “Yeah, I mean it was. It always is. The quarterfinals… you never know what you're going to get.” Goodwin replies. “On one hand, you have us, the Giants, who are coming off a league title win, so we're on a high. But then you got Dundee, who don't want to go away quietly. They were fighting and scratching and clawing for every inch and it lead to two feisty games. “I give Dundee a lot of credit. They threw everything they had at us. But ultimately, I think our consistent play, maybe some of our higher skill was able to shine through and get the...
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