Blue Remembered Hills
Written by
Dennis Potter
Directed by
Carol Bailey
At the Playhouse, Pateley Bridge, 8th - 13th July
If you feel uncomfortable at times watching this masterpiece of a one act play, then you are right. This is neither a comfortable nor a comforting play, though deeply enjoyable. It springs clear-eyed from one of our most innovative dramatists of the twentieth century, Dennis Potter, and is very well realised in this tightly directed production by Pateley Players.
Carol Bailey as director has invoked the comedy and horror of this gang of seven year olds played by adult actors set in WW2. The play turns nostalgia on its head to bring a depiction of childhood which Potter says is real, not as the audience would like childhood to be. He invites us to remember as adults what it was really like to be a child.
Keith Burton as Willie establishes the sense of moment to moment action of seven year olds, restless, competitive, quick to argue and to make up. His entrance imitating the war planes which fly overhead links with the similar actions of the boys from the first half of the evening, Nidderdale Remembers WW2. His character is clever at talking his way out of problems.
Peter, number two in the gang is played by Jerry Harvey, a bully with unthinking bravado, the catalyst for tragedy.
Steve Rouse as John, fights Peter and wins, but fails to lead when the others want to rely on him.
Nevin Ward as Raymond is protected by John. He owns a knife and that gives him respect despite his stutter.
Angela played by Heather Appleton and Audrey by Rachel Joynson are priceless as young girls at times desperate for attention by any means, egging on the boys. Spiteful to each other and to the others in the gang but ‘best friends’ in an instant.
All these actors inhabit their child characters with great professionalism. Many quick fire lines, constant changes of pace and physical movement are handled with surety.
Most unsettling of all is Peter Buller’s excellent portrayal of Donald ‘Duck’. His giggle is like a cold shower on the audience. Clearly a disturbed child, neglected by his mother, he is relentlessly bullied by all the gang. Useful for his sneaky knowledge of precious jam jars he is nevertheless betrayed. He has a fascination with fire probably related to his ‘missing’ father who may or may not be held by the Japanese.
The set has a wonderful tree and an unfortunate squirrel. Its hut and realistic effects with smoke and flames are very well done. The ‘blue, remembered hills’ painted scene, ‘grass’ and straw bales provide a strong framework for the action. Good work from the sound and lighting department to back this up.
Well done to Pateley Players. So good to see such an outstanding drama so well delivered.
Review by Ros Wade
Photographs by Chris Iredale