Claustrophobia is an emotion that theatre has a unique power to inspire. Directors Lizzie Schebesta and Damien Ryan have created a stunning space under the Old Fitzroy Hotel - an apartment interior becomes an artistic foreshortening. The audience is the apartment's fourth wall, cramped and too close to the too real toxicity of the trio who live there.
Look Back In Anger follows the tribulations of Jimmy (Andrew Henry), his wife Alison (Melissa Bonne) and Cliff (Robin Goldsworthy) as they try to get along with their daily lives without money or social tact. Jimmy's destructive narcissism is the driving force of the very human breakdown to which the audience bears witness. John Osborne's show is an ode to human imperfection but it's gritty and unclean, a harsh ode that doesn't idealise.
While each actor has an energy that is a pleasure to watch, the subtle performance given by Goldsworthy deserves its own accolades. A diminutive Welshman in love with his friend's wife and beleaguered by his own circumstance, Goldsworthy's performance is one of extraordinary pathos. He is an unlikely but welcome pillar to the show's success.
The only criticism worth giving is in regards to the play's relevance. Look Back In Anger rocked audiences 60 years ago but the script doesn't pack the same punch. Its rust shows, but in spite of that rust it is still a stellar experience.
For a riveting journey and great stagecraft, see Look Back In Anger. The Old Fitz continues to please in its impressive 2016 season.
