REVIEW - The Father, Common Ground Theatre Company, Broadbent Theatre, 10th - 12th April 2025 - ****1/2
- theatrereviews
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
Written by French playwright Florian Zeller, and translated into English by Christopher Hampton, The Father can be described as many things; because it is. The Olivier-winning play (and Academy-winning film adaptation) quickly became a ‘must-see’ production internationally, and it’s no wonder that Common Ground Theatre Company have picked it up; this is a play that deserves to be seen, to be understood, and to be talked about.
Director Jez Ashberry has been delivered a gift with his company of actors. In the titular role is Jeremy Smith, something of a county-favourite across the Lincolnshire Wolds, due to his performances in everything from Beauty and the Beast (Blaze Theatre Company) and Steptoe and Son (Hambledon Productions), to Pinocchio (Neverland Theatre, Skegness) and Frankenstein (The Asylum Players), and now making his debut for the Lincolnshire-based theatre company. Smith oozes stage charisma in a role that, although deeply moving, can often be unwarranted of affection. This is a tragi-comic look at the world through the eyes of a man experiencing dementia, and is a dramatic illustration of the physical losses which occur along with the mental ones.
The cast is flawless. Laura Turner, as Andre’s daughter, Anne, has, arguably, an even tougher role, but all Anne’s facets, faults and despair are succinctly realized (click here to read our ‘Spotlight On…’ interview with Laura), without ever tipping into melodrama (which would render the role constantly seeking our approval). Bianca Hutchings, arriving as an ‘outsider’ in the story (she’s Andre’s latest care-worker) brings a sense of false-optimism, even naivety to her performance, which snaps the play out of its drudgingly bleak and sometimes oppressive claustrophobia. Bianca, relatively new to the Lincs acting scene, is one to watch out for. Meanwhile, and while I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the role of Pierre (Anne’s partner) is there for light/comic relief, Harry Petrie’s portrayal of this unwavering, cynical, empathy-light detachment is an effective, cutting performance. It’s a suitably underplayed role, and Harry attacks it with the right amount of venom at the right, opportune moments.
It's a play, rather than an idea, that is thoroughly entrenched in Theatre. Time and location seems to shift, whether we or the characters agree or disagree. It is beguiling, and not in a convoluted way. It’s an incredibly human play, and any allegiances we may consider making towards any certain character repeatedly falter or are, at least, questioned. Ashberry’s tidy, economical directing highlights this, as well as incorporating a style that alienates or affirms us, and often in a turn of phrase. The set, sound effects, and production values are authentic to make the bleak but increasingly familiar scenario seem mundane yet relatable.
Joining the cast is David Hitchings (as Man) and Anita Quigley (as Woman), and the characters’ ambiguity and purposes were, for this reviewer, the most poignant and sobering reality of the production.Although the play carries a lot of precedence, it still feels like a refreshing, raw challenge and ‘gamble’ for a local theatre company to attempt to mount it. So pleasing it is, therefore, that this production can stand out on its own merits. The pacing could be snappier in parts, and this is particularly noticeable as the text naturally hesitates around repetition itself, but Ashberry and the cast make sure that we are never far from the edges of our seats. Also, the beautiful and intimate Broadbent Theatre provided the perfect ‘backdrop’.
I urge you to go and see it. It will not be to everyone’s tastes, particularly if you are currently coming to terms with a loved one who has developed dementia, but that is not the point of this play. This tells it how it is, in a most emphatic, unsentimental and emotionally intense way.
The Father is being performed at the Broadbent Theatre until Saturday 12th April 2025, at 7.30pm. Please click on the link below for more information and to buy tickets.
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