Love on the Dole – The Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Writers: Ronald Gow and Walter Greenwood

Director: David Thacker

Reviewer: Richard Hall

The Public Reviews Rating:

There are a relatively small number of good classic Northern plays, ‘Love on the Dole’ though is undoubtedly one of them. Having seen the play for the first time, in this current revival by the Octagon Theatre, I can understand why it was voted one of the National Theatre’s Best 100 plays of the Twentieth Century.

The setting of the play may be Salford in the 1930’s but the drama feels as fresh and as modern as if it was being performed today for the first time. Adapted from Walter Greenwood’s classic novel, this stage version packs an emotional punch that can still be felt long after the final scene has been played. It speaks powerfully about the plight of the poor and working class poverty and given current concerns about imminent spending cuts and mass unemployment, references to wage cuts and the threat of the dole clearly resonated with the first night audience.

One of the great joys of watching this production is seeing the wonderful ensemble acting that creates the tight nit community, at which the Hardcastle family, the play’s main protagonists are at the core. The community of friends and neighbours is made up of a rich collection of eccentric and oddball characters, none more so than the widowed alcoholic Mrs Dobell, played brilliantly by the almost unrecognisable, Susan Twist. This is another accomplished performance from this wonderfully versatile actress.

‘Love on the Dole’ though is more than just a socialist fable or morality play. At its heart it is a gripping love story and in David Thacker’s production, it is the scenes between the two pairs of young lovers that are dramatically the most interesting and the best played. Clare Foster as the principled and strong willed Sally Hardcastle is excellent, as is Kieran Hill, who plays her doomed lover Larry, an idealistic socialist agitator. The parallel relationship between Sally’s brother Harry and a young mill worker begins as light relief but as with all the relationships in the play ultimately becomes strained as they too are immersed in unremitting poverty and human misery. The performances of Sam Lupton as Harry and Sarah Vezmar as Helen are touching and heart-rending.

David Thacker directs with great authority and uses the Octagon stage to the full. If I have a slight criticism, it is with the design of the play. The set and costumes are too clean and pristine. It is hard to believe that the main characters want to escape ther rat infested slums, when some of the costumes and furniture look as if they have been acquired from either Laura Ashley or a local antique shop. This aside however, the Octagon’s production of ’Love on the Dole’ is thoroughly engaging and deeply moving. It is strongly recommended.