UK Theatre Network

Bill Kenwright presents Clifford Odets’

The Country Girl

At Milton Keynes Theatre

I was eager to see this play as I like Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove, you will, therefore, understand my shock and disappointment when it was announced just before the start of the performance that Martin Shaw was indisposed and his role would be taken by the understudy Peter Harding.  As Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove have a chemistry formed over a number of years where previous roles have seen them appearing together, it was obvious that this element could not be incorporated into this performance.

The play centres on Frank Elgin, an alcoholic actor who is offered the opportunity of a comeback to star in a new Broadway play by director Bernie Dodd, played by Mark Letheren. Bernie remembers how good an actor Frank was before his drinking took hold and is convinced Frank can sober up and learn his lines in the few weeks before the show opens. Bernie is sure that Frank’s wife Georgie, (Jenny Seagrove) is to blame for Frank’s demise which results in a stormy relationship between them. Georgie is, in fact, very supportive of her husband Frank, she convinced him to accept the role when he doubted his ability to sort himself out.

In the first half of the play Georgie appears to be the downtrodden wife of an alcoholic and has the demeanour of someone older. Whilst the American accent is necessary for the play I thought it made it difficult to understand some of the dialogue. As Frank is attempting to remember his lines he is very emotional and full of self doubt. He turns to alcohol at times to ease his nerves. Georgie keeps a watchful eye in an attempt to keep him sober so he can master the role.

I found the first half of this play somewhat tedious and slow, it is a play about actors within a play with actors playing other actors. The stage appeared quite cluttered with scenery at times and scenery was moved around in a way that was a little confusing due to the play within a play element.

In the second half the pace seemed to pick up a little and Georgie appeared stronger and feisty.  I think Jenny Seagrove is excellent in roles which portray strong, independent women. Bernie realises that Jenny has been supportive to Frank and there is an attraction between them, which creates a different tension in their relationship.

Peter Harding did a reasonable job of playing Frank Elgin, but he isn’t Martin Shaw and I found myself wondering at times how Martin would have played it. As I said before the chemistry there would have been was lacking. This no doubt affected Jenny Seagrove’s performance as she works so well with Martin Shaw.  Mark Letheren was excellent as Bernie Dodd, giving a very vibrant performance. I must admit I didn’t really engage with the character of Frank Elgin, I didn’t care if he succeeded or not.

I didn’t enjoy this play as much as I had anticipated, but obviously some of this was due to Martin Shaw’s absence. I hope he will soon return to the show.

The Country Girl plays Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 23^rd August to Saturday 28^th August 2010. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing Theatre Royal Nottingham from 31^st August to 4^th September 2010.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.kenwright.com

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 23^rd August 2010.