Writer: Bill Naughton

Director: David Thacker

Reviewer: Iain Sykes

The Public Reviews Rating:

Alfie, the most iconic swinging sixties London wide boy, originally sprang from the pen of Bolton writer, Bill Naughton, so it’s a sort of homecoming for the play now being performed at the Octagon Theatre in Naughton’s home town.

To many people, Michael Caine in the much loved1966 film version is Alfie, so how does director, David Thacker’s version compare to this benchmark?

David Ricardo-Pearce has the unenviable task of reinventing the title character which he does by starting with a Caine-esque “My name is…” before proving that his own take on the role is anything but. Dark haired, handsome and physically attractive, he seems a perfect fit for the role. It’s easy to believe he is the Casanova figure and his lines are delivered in a deep monotone which adds to the sense of detachment the character feels from the feelings of his conquests even as his own life and those of his women start unravelling. A lot of his dialogue consists of conversational narrative asides directed to the audience, a device which works amazingly well and never gets tired throughout the play despite the ever increasing count of “you know what I mean?”s. In Act Two, he provides a performance to remember as his troubles threaten to overwhelm his façade.

Although Ricardo-Pearce is on stage for most of the play’s two and three quarter hours, the success of the piece also relies on having a fine supporting cast and here he is more than ably supported. Barbara Hockaday’s Gilda, the first of his ladies to get a decent run of stage time, makes the most of her wide-eyed innocent role. Vicky Binns proves there’s life after Coronation Street with a fine turn as his skivvying northern girl, Annie. Francesa Ryan is more than alluring as Ruby, the one lady to turn the tables on him. Isabel Ford’s Lily, probably the life wrecked most by Alfie’s philandering is simply heartbreaking while John Branwell’s abortionist and Eamonn Riley’s lovesick Humphrey are the pick of the cameos from the male cast.

Lis Evans’ seemingly basic set sees characters doubling as removal experts whilst never breaking stride, shifting tables, chairs and some simple looking pieces which ingeniously multi task as ovens, drinks cabinets and a pub bar.

Although the attitudes of the title character and his search for the ideal form of bachelorhood may now seem extremely dated to a modern audience the play itself feels anything but. David Thacker’s thoughtful direction, Lis Evans’ use of the available space and the performances of the actors on stage ensure that this production of Alfie should be a roaring success.

Photo: Ian Tilton

Runs until 18th February

 

Alfie – Octagon Theatre, Bolton, 3.8 out of 5 based on 6 ratings

Tags: Alfie, Barbara Hockaday, Bill Naughton, Bolton, David Ricardo-Pearce, David Thacker, Eamonn Riley, Francesca Ryan, Isabel Ford, John Branwell, Lis Evans, Octagon Theatre, Vicky Binns