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Picture
REVIEW
ALAN BENNETT’S
THE HABIT OF ART

STARRING MATTHEW KELLY AND DAVID YELLAND
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
19th - 24th ​November 2018
ALSO - OUR INTERVIEW WITH MATTHEW KELLY AND DAVID YELLAND BELOW

Picture
Have you ever wondered what happens when a group of actors get together in one of those draughty old church halls to rehearse a play? Do they argue? How do they learn their lines? Do they have pre-performance rituals? Do they get on? If your answer to any of these questions is YES then you need to head straight to the Palace Theatre and see Alan Bennett’s fascinating 2009 play, The Habit of Art .

Originally written for the National Theatre in London, this new production, directed by well known actor Philip Franks, is visiting Southend as part of a national tour. 

The play opens with some actors meeting up for a days rehearsal for a new play called “Caliban’s Day.”  They are a motley group of very diverse personalities and we, the audience, are given a great close up on the rehearsal process.  They have a few problems: the author of the “play” is in attendance, defending every precious line he has written, but the director is away, so it is left to the firm but kind stage manager, Kay, (Veronica Roberts) to put them through their paces - easier said than done at times!  An element of farce ensues whilst the actors stop and start as they work their way through. 

The central theme of “the play within the play” is an imagined meeting between the poet and writer WH Auden and his one time collaborator, the composer Benjamin Britten, who are observed closely by a young Humphrey Carpenter, who later went on to write definitive biographies of both men. 

If all this sounds a bit heavy, throw in a rent boy, plus a case of mistaken identity and the tone of the play is very much lighter than you would expect.  Dazzling jokes come thick and fast and I found myself laughing heartily in many places. 

However, if you are expecting a cozy evening of re-assuring Alan Bennett then you will most definitely be disappointed.  This play deals with some difficult themes, not least in its unflinching discussion of male genitalia, gay sex, and the hint of pedophilia, which dogged Britten’s reputation throughout his life. This is all delivered in the very fine writing, and wonderful humour.  Bennett deals so well with human frailty, and the play makes the point that we all have these frailties, whether famous or not. 

The acting is superb from this very fine cast. Handsome veteran David Yelland captures Britten’s uptight nature so well, in complete contrast to the very outspoken Auden.  It is here that Matthew Kelly triumphs. Those of you who remember him from his days as presenter of tv’s Stars In Their Eyes will be truly amazed at the skilful performance he gives as Fitz, who is trying to get to grips with his huge role as Auden in this “new play”.   Matthew’s natural warmth and wonderful comic timing make him a joy to watch.

The Habit of Art is truly one of the finest productions to have graced the Palace Theatre stage for a long time.  If you enjoy a good night at the theatre, DO NOT MISS THIS PLAY.

Until sat, nightly at 8.00pm. Matinees Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

​Review by Andrew Walters 
 
Website:    www.originaltheatre.com
Facebook:     @OriginalTheatre
Twitter:          @OriginalTheatre #HabitOfArt
Instagram:    @OriginalTheatreCompany
 
Running Time:  2 hours, 20 minutes (including interval)
Suitable for 14+

For tickets go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
The tour continues...
19-24 November    Palace Theatre, Southend    01702 351135
    www.palacetheatresouthend.co.uk    
27 November - 1 December    Malvern Theatres    01684 892277
    www.malvern-theatres.co.uk.

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