Presented by St Jude’s Players
Reviewed 21 April 2022
Nicholas Wright has written a complex play about the period in 1873 when the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh rented a room in Brixton, London. The text explores what may have happened to affect his development and projects. It takes the possibility that he was in love with his landlady’s daughter and what may have followed. This is played on one of the most detailed and intricate sets I have seen with hints reflecting Vincent’s work throughout. A masterpiece by Ole Wiebkin and Don Oakley; actual cooking on stage, apparently working taps, coupled with the interesting lighting and the very effective rainstorm (thanks to the sound and lighting design by director Geoff Brittain and Leigh Wheatley).
Alexander Whitrow makes a compelling Van Gogh and even looks a little like the man himself. He is gauche and innocent, not sure of himself or his future. He appears at first to be in love with Eugenie, the landlady’s daughter, played with depth by Veronika Wlodarczyk, who shows no interest and is in love with the other lodger, Sam (James Fazzalari). An affection develops between Vincent and his landlady, Ursula, played by Nicole Rutty, who splendidly portrays the frustration and pent up feelings of the widow; the connection and tension between them is palpable. Whitrow and Rutty give excellent performances.
Vincent’s sister, Anna, is played by Gabrielle Douglas, who plays this strong-willed character with conviction reminding us all of the social mores that restricted couples of the time. Like Wlodarczyk and Fazzalari, Douglas provides the strong support needed by the leads. Director Geoff Brittain and his assistant Matilda Butler have done a well-honed job of guiding this cast on a superior production.
Another intriguing show by the ever-reliable St Jude’s Players.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: St Jude’s Hall, 444 Brighton Road, Brighton
Season: 21-30 Apr 2022
Duration: 2.5 hrs including interval
Tickets: $20 – $25
Bookings: Telephone: 0436 262 628
Email: [email protected]
More News
