Haunted – Theatre Royal, Brighton

Writer: Edna O’Brien

Director: Braham Murray

Reviewer: Stephanie Walls

The Public Reviews Rating:

Having read the reviews of Edna O’Brien’s most recent play whilst it was premiering in Manchester I was looking forward to settling down to watch this apparent gem a little closer to home in The Brighton Theatre Royal.

As Niall Buggy began to reminisce as the twinkling eyed Mr Berry I made myself comfortable and prepared myself for a well acted and interesting performance. He spoke openly and charismatically recalling fond memories of his wife and the love they once shared. We’re not entirely sure if he is separated or widowed but either way we’re happy when a young woman that captivates his imagination enters his life.

He plans to take elocution lessons with the fragile but well spoken Hazel in an attempt to have her return to his home. It was here that I began to question the original reviews of the production and shifted nervously in my seat. Beth Cooke as the naïve beauty that has captured Mr Berry’s interest was often difficult to connect with. Her line delivery demonstrated such precision, to show a wealth of elocution knowledge, that the beautifully written text came across as flat and irritating.

I must admit to looking forward to Brenda Blethyn taking to the stage as I have always admired her as a performer. It’s her first entrance as Mrs Berry – played as a humorous and overbearing caricature, who has returned home from work, that we suddenly take a step back from what has just happened and start asking a few questions. So. They’re not separated and she isn’t dead after all. Or is she?

The whole play raises question after question, not just because of the thought provoking writing, but because as an audience we’re often left bewildered by what we are seeing. We never do work out just when this play is set nor do we ever truly work out which scene is portraying the present.

Although skillfully written and at times beautifully acted I was ultimately disappointed by this production which never really figured out what it was trying to say to us. We never truly felt compassion for the characters and nervous giggles rang out when very serious moments of madness and realisation were supposedly being portrayed.

Unfortunately I wasn’t alone in my feelings and the empty seats and hefty sighs around me post interval certainly confirmed the opinion of my fellow theatre goers that evening.