Keepers of the Flame
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Once in a while there's a play that completely
blows you away, and this, for me, is the one. Keepers of the Flame is
Newcastle-based playwright Sean O'Brien's powerful, funny, violent account of
poet Richard Jameson, who falls in love and finds himself caught up in a
fascist struggle that strikes at the very heart of the nation. Live Theatre is
all about new writing, and this exciting prremiere heralds a major step in its
collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The acting, as you'd expect, is faultless and
it's difficult to pick out an individual performance; Caroline Faber's
beautiful voice is memorable, as is Deka Walmsley's terrifying psychopath
Francis Finnegan. |
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David Rintoul's Fascist leader Exton is so
convincing; the business mogul who thinks he can change history, posing in his
neo-Nazi uniform. Geordie Trevor Fox shows frightening aggression as Steve, who
feels he can never return to normality after his wartime
experiences.
All through the play Alan Howard as Jameson is the
voice of reason, so representative of the silent majority. Faced with Exton's
frightful plan for his daughter Jane, Jameson's wife, all the poet can do is
bleat 'But.... you can't do that!' But Exton can, and does, and Jameson never
forgives himself for not defending her.
I could go on; the rich and satisfying dialogue, the
shocking violence, the stunning performances by all concerned. It's a chance to
be in the presence of greatness - do go and see it.
Sue Heath
The Northern Echo, 8.11.03.