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Fine actors do a curiosity well
THE CREEPER
Playhouse Theatre
IAN Richardson has returned to the stage after eight years
and in many way you would be foolish to miss him.
He is as subtle as a razor, menacing and deadly like a feared
prosecuting council.
But here he is as Edward Kimberly a millionaire who hires young
male companions to live in opulence. He is about to ruthlessly
discharge Michel and Maurice. Outside a massive creeper obscures
the garden its symbolism escaped me. Michel does not
like his abrupt and forced exit. Maurices claim to be
a shirt salesmen at Austin Reeves looks likely when he simulates
strangulation by necktie on a balloon. Written by Pauline Macaulay
in 1965, there is no specific indication of Kimberlys
sexual orientation or his real relationship with these young
men. Theres nothing to show or titillate in the open atmosphere
of 2006. This was a world with working-class youths in the company
of rich old men. Kimberly indulges then expels as Maurices
hold tightens over his elegant employer with fatal consequences.
Richardsons feline character is masterly and his inability
to feel or return affection is devoid of all sentimentality.
Towards the end he offers a brandy to his ancient butler Holmes
(Harry Towb), the first and last drink in his lifetime from
the master.
Alan Cox is the streetwise brash and opportunistic Michel
a mixture of Frankie Howard and Bette Davis this is a
man it would be unwise to turn your back on. Oliver Dimsdales
Maurice moves from deference to assertion then menace.
All in all, excellent actors performing a curiosity and doing
it well. In a sumptuous set designed by Hayden Griffin and effectively
directed by Bill Bryden.
Until April 22
020 7839 4401
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