(Produced by Nick Wilkes & Malvern Theatres)
Writer in Residence at Malvern Theatres, Nick Wilkes, is
clearly on a creative roll, presenting his latest play, Adrian’s Wall, only a
couple of months after his last, Mog Bridges, which saw a Morgan car make its
theatrical debut on the main stage. This time he divided the auditorium in the
Forum theatre with Hadrian’s Wall, leaving audience members choosing tickets on
the North or South side of the wall; a very poignant action during the week of
the Scottish Referendum. On this occasion though, it was clear that there
wasn’t any divide when it came to enjoyment of the show.
Inspired by a primary school project and personal issues,
mild mannered, Adrian (Robert Temple), decides to embrace his midlife crisis
and walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Despite a mass appeal to friends and
family it looks as if it will be a solo mission until he is joined, last
minute, by his Neanderthal builder mate Bryan (Rob Keeves) and bookworm Nevil
(Murray Andrews), of whom he has little recollection from his schooldays.
Before the day is out, a mysterious stranger, Stuart (Adrian Ross-Jones), joins
them to become an integral part of their adventure. Their individual lives
unravel on the wall as stories are told, perceptions are challenged,
friendships develop and personal awakenings occur.
Wilkes is an eloquent writer and has a great sense of comedy
and storytelling, which is perfectly executed by the performers under the
creative vision of director, Jon Legg, who fully utilises and explores the
traverse staging throughout the eighty-four mile physical and metaphorical
journey of each character. All of the actors are excellent in their roles and
give an immensely slick performance and Pippa Meekings, along with both the director
and writer, make excellent cameo appearances.
Even though this is an epic three hours long, with interval,
it doesn’t drag. Having said that it could easily be edited down to a more palatable
sojourn. However, this is a funny and heart-warming production and definitely worth
seeing. Nick Wilkes is a credit to Malvern Theatres and deserves the following
that his is achieving with his writing. This production wonderfully supports the
Help The Heroes campaign and runs until Saturday.
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