Saturday, 13 September 2008
In bed with Lord Arthur
This was our first visit to The Studio at the Lowry, the performance space was reminiscent of my college drama studio, compared to the other performance spaces at the Lowry you would describe it as intimate and I think that worked for Theatre North's production of Lord Arthurs Bed by Martin Lewton. The play is set in modern day in the apartment of Donald & Jim, a modern couple in a post civil partnership era. Between them they tell the audience the fascinating true story of Ernest Boulton, Frederick Park and Lord Arthur Clinton MP and the interesting and often graphic story of cross dressing and "un-natural acts" in the late 1860s. However for me the really clever part of the play was the portrayal of the relationship between Donald & Jim, often uncomfortable to watch this performance would be very close to home for a lot of couples. The play also touched on the very real effects of homophobia in a politically correct world, where looks and snigger's have replaced the in your face abuse. The characters Donald & Jim were played superbly by Paul Kendrick and Paul Spruce and were entirely believable as a gay couple, something that is often done completely wrong. Donald is comfortable with his sexuality but Jim has issues with his Mum, work and ultimately his own identity and his "Catholic Guilt". With all this you may be surprised to find that I would describe this as an uplifting show, however on leaving this show I was left with the feeling that love will get you through anything and also a greater understanding of struggles that gay people still face in this so called equal society.
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