Nothing Like The Wooden Horse

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

There are those occasions, albeit they are sometimes few and far between, when a theatre critic is given the opportunity to review a play that is utterly compelling, deeply affecting and hugely entertaining. Last night was one of those blessed occasions.

Nothing Like The Wooden Horse tells the story of Tommy Henderson and his grandson, Wayne. Both men have lived through contrasting experiences of warfare, Tommy as a Prisoner Of War in the Second World War and Wayne as part of the allied forces in Iraq.

The play is set on the eve of Wayne’s return to Iraq for another tour of duty and, as usual, there is the ritual of banter and a few drinks with Tommy before he leaves. However, this time it’s different and, as they share their tales, tonight is the night for a few secrets to be revealed.

Donald McBride (Tommy) and Michael Imerson (Wayne) give performances that are nothing short of outstanding. They breathe life into Tom Kelly’s profound script with warmth, humour and compassion but without ever being overly sentimental in their delivery.

This powerful piece of theatre delves deep into the recesses of the minds of two men who have witnessed horrific events that return each night to haunt them as they sleep, and the result is magnificent.

For the most part, the play is set in Tommy’s cosy front room. However, occasionally flashback scenes allow the audience to share some of the men’s experiences. It’s all done very skilfully.

Unusually for a two-hander, the pace of the play never loses momentum and I was so engrossed in the piece that the interval took me by surprise. Indeed, the length of the play is perfect – it comprises two acts of approximately 45 minutes each.

It is testament to the power of this play that, throughout the performance, the audience were so quiet that one could have heard a pin if it were dropped.

Tom Kelly has delivered an important piece of theatre that has sincerity and honesty.

Steve Burbridge.

Nothing Like The Wooden Horse runs until Saturday 21st March 2009.