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SKYLIGHT by David Hare
Presented by Heidelberg Theatre Company
Directed by Paul King
Reviewed (September 9) by K.E. Weber
Cast: Abi Richardson, James Anderson, Bruce Grainger.
Skylight is a tightly written and wonderfully structured contemporary drama which focuses on issues involving love, morality, want vs. need, sacrifice and loyalty. It is essentially a two-hander (although a young male support is required) and tells of Kyra Hollis - whom we meet in her under-heated and depressing flat - and her ex-lover, Tom Sergeant, who has waited until after the death of his wife to visit Kyra, hoping to rekindle their affair. Tom's son, Edward, also visits Kyra and it is through this lonely and volatile young man that we learn more about Tom's materialistically driven behaviour and egocentric nature. Kyra has loved Tom in spite of his faults but has undergone a dramatic introspective during her four year absence, and even though their reunion has been consummated, she is not quite the same person as she was before.
The action of the play takes place in Kyra's flat whose rather humble qualities were brilliantly realized by Heidelberg's amazing talents. Stained walls, peeling wallpaper, utilitarian furnishings all contributed toward the effect of this tired abode which resided in the centre of Heidelberg's stage space, giving it an appropriately claustrophobic feel. A highlight for me was the working cooker - Brilliant!
Heidelberg's production was also brilliant. Paul King (Director) presented us with a tight and flawlessly structured production whose characters were consistently well and realistically defined. Movement was purpose driven and always naturally executed, and the playwrights intent respected. Music was appropriate and afforded the right ‘feel', and lighting was also appropriate and precisely cued.
David Hare has not only written a great play but has provided some wonderfully powerful material for good actors. Abi Richardson gave an outstanding performance as Kyra Hollis. She never faltered, was highly focused, committed to the work and therefore believable. I loved Kyra's strength, surety and intelligence but I also loved her ambivalence (regarding her choices, Tom, her life) - not an easy thing to do because non-professional actors often lack the training (or talent) that assists in making more than just a superficial connection with a character. Voice was also excellent and pauses were well utilized.
James Anderson was a little slow starting but, as soon as his nervousness abated, settled into a very solid performance. His accent was good as was his body language, giving his Edward Sergeant a sometimes frightening rebellious streak. However, Edward is also seeking to be affirmed by his father, and later by Kyra, and it is this vulnerability that James managed to convey quite nicely. There were a few timing difficulties in the final scene but I think this was due more to the awkward nature of the business than any fault with the actors.
Bruce Grainger also adopted his character with solid professionalism and was outstanding as the shrewd but oft unscrupulous Tom Sergeant. He was always convincing, looked the part, and voice work was excellent. Bruce and Abi complemented one another well, although I did feel that Tom and Kyra might have been a little more comfortable in their intimate moments. Nonetheless, a first-rate production! |
