We too shall become them…eventually
Much as we decry the impact of parents on our lives, good and bad, one day, sooner rather than later, we will look in the mirror and think “Banayia mou I’ve turned into my mum/dad”. It’s called genes and ageing. Inheriting their looks is one thing but what happens when we think and behave like them too…or not? Especially when it comes to politics. Jack Thorne’s The End of History (Royal Court), takes a fishbowl look into the family of Sal (Lesley Sharp) and David (David Morrissey), a couple of ‘old’ Labour stalwarts, and their three independently minded children. The plays’ title references the apparent triumph of liberal ideals at the end of the Cold War, promulgated by political theorist Francis Fukuyama. Very topical considering Putin’s pronouncement last week that “liberalism is dead”.
Spanning three decades, we begin in 1997, the start of the ‘new’ Labour Blair years. For some he was the saviour (3 election wins) but for the likes of Sal and Dave he was a traitor, the man who betrayed socialism and succumbed to a modern version of Thatcherite capitalism. The children have paved their own way in life but as with all siblings the tensions are never far from the surface and politically they represent most of what you would expect in a post-Blair liberal family. Thorne apparently based the play on his own family and though it has a political soul it lacks an emotional heart which is surprising. The premise of children not matching up to their parents’ aspirations and ideals is nothing new so it needs something else to ignite the play dramatically.
Sharp brings grit and passion to Sal, a teacher and Greenham Common veteran, but the writing of her character is one dimensional and it is the children that bring us more of the normal human interactions that resonate. Polly (Kate O’Flynn) is a successful lawyer and when she is caught doing naughty things on her phone by younger brother Tom (Laurie Davidson) it brings authenticity to the relationships. Older son Carl (Sam Swainsbury) is a complex and conflicted man, not helped by a blue-blooded girlfriend whose wealth represents a challenge to his upbringing. Fortunately, in a minor act of redemption for both the play and our interest Morrissey’s David gives us a final Quaker-like speech that reveals many things including his deep love for the family and why the unfettered truth must always conquer spin.
Movement director Steven Hoggett brings an interesting kinetic dimension to John Tiffany’s stuttering direction and Grace Smart’s design is a smart alchemistic effort but the abiding memory is one of a fine cast struggling with misshapen verbosity.
Meanwhile Gracia Erinoglu sees a woman put men in their place…
The Flamenco Festival (Sadler’s Wells) got off to a dramatic start with Sara Baras taking centre stage in her show Sombras (“Shadows”). The centre of attraction in every sense she dominated the evening with an interpretation of this historic art form that was mesmerising. You could not take your eyes off her and when she exploded into farruca, a dance that is usually danced by men due to the rapidity of the footwork, she delivered a flurry of hypnotic moves, punctuated with minuscule silences that increase the drama manifold. Supporting the diva are six other excellent dancers and seven fantastic musicians. The saxophonist and Baras gave us one of the highlights of the show with a teasing passage of extraordinary musicianship and sensational dancing. If the rest of the festival are anywhere near this level London is in for a treat. I know Sotira is reviewing another one of the shows tomorrow evening…lucky her!
Finally, Sotira Kyriakides gets into a Pride mood…
Yummy (Underbelly Festival) is yummy indeed, with outrageous outfits, dancing and lip-syncing fun from start to finish. The seven talented entertainers have so many costume changes that it’s hard to keep up, and the vertiginous heels are a sight to behold! The stage is like a catwalk and the performers engage with the audience and use it to its full advantage. Karen From Finance announces what is happening, as well as having her own comedic acts. Hannie Helsden’s hula-hooping is amazing and she makes it look effortless. There is also a bawdier element, with Jandruze’s performance about making a sandwich being a highlight. Overall, a feast for the eyes and ears and one that many of the Pride revellers would love.
The End of History – 020 7565 5000
Flamenco Festival (ends 14 July) – 020 7863 8000
Yummy – www.underbellyfestival.com
