REVIEW

Vivid performances
Ian Spiby

Before attending this production of Road, my only familiarity with the play stemmed from its popularity as a source of audition monologues.

I had neither read it nor seen it performed. If asked to describe it, I might have lazily dismissed it as 1980s social realism-typical "kitchen sink" fare.

Imagine my astonishment, then, to encounter a piece that is far more than a period snapshot.

Road emerges as a profound meditation on the human condition - on the yearning for meaning and connection in a world that can often feel bleak and senseless.

Even more surprising was the exceptional calibre of this production, featuring uniformly brilliant character portrayals, matched by an equally accomplished creative and technical team.

Depth, nuance and variety

It feels almost unfair to single out individuals when the entire cast and crew were outstanding, but if I were to detail everyone's excellence, this review would require its own supplement. That said, particular praise must go to director Meryl Couper and assistant director Jude Wilton.

WOW. As a director myself, I could sense their guiding hand throughout the production. The depth, nuance, and variety in the performances suggest a director who has worked closely with each actor to reveal the inner life of their character.

The result? A production where every word and gesture felt deeply rooted in thought and truth. From lead roles to the smallest parts and multi-role performances, the standard was exceptional

Several performances remain vivid in my memory. Sue Whyte's portrayal of Molly was both subtle and layered. Greg Dolman astonished as both Skin Lad and Barry - so convincing I had to check the programme to confirm it was the same actor. Similarly, Rik E Dean brought extraordinary range to Prof and Bisto.

Sue Whyte | Photo by Rebecca Cockcroft

High praise

Holly Hughes-Rowlands was compelling as Carol and Claire, with her different characters, delivering moments of quiet intensity and brazen indifference.

Comedy, too, was handled with a sure touch. Full marks again to Meryl Couper for pitch-perfect timing and balance. Graham Breeze and Maggie Holland brought genuine humour, as did Martin Williams - memorably wheeled around in a supermarket trolley.

Jude Wilton and Sian Mander also impressed as two young women out on the town. One especially touching moment came with Jem Clack's poignant monologue-infused with memory, regret, and quiet disillusionment.

No production reaches such heights without strong support behind the scenes. Anthony Newby (sound system), Philip Welsh (lighting), and Angela Warren (stage management) all deserve high praise for their flawless work, which contributed immeasurably to the overall impact.

Sincere congratulations to everyone involved. This was a production that not only surprised me - it moved and stayed with me. A rare and valuable achievement in theatre.

PREVIEW

Humour and heartbreak
Meryl Couper, director

Jim Cartwright’s seminal play takes you on a nocturnal journey along the cobbled street of an unnamed northern road in Thatcher’s Britain.

Meet the inhabitants of a community scarred by unemployment and poverty.

Road is a play that delves into the lives of residents on a desolate road in a Lancashire town during the 1980s. The narrative is guided by Scullery, a drunken vagabond who introduces the audience to various characters, each embodying the struggles and aspirations of the working class during that era.

Raw and powerful

I’ve wanted to do this play for over 20 years having previously worked on it professionally. So I’m super excited to finally have the opportunity to direct a new version of Jim Cartwright’s seminal play.

It is a raw and powerful exploration of working-class life in 1980s Britain, and is an unforgettable journey through a night in a Northern town, filled with humour, heartbreak, and unfiltered humanity.

From moments of drunken revelry to heart-wrenching solitude, Road is a rollercoaster of emotions, reflecting the realities of life with unflinching honesty and striking theatricality. A play that speaks to today’s social and economic struggles as much as it did in the 1980s.

Relevant

First performed in 1986 at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, Road remains as relevant today as ever, offering a window into the struggles, dreams, and resilience of those living on the margins.

Some productions have placed it in modern day but we will be keeping it firmly in the 1980s, when it was written, which I believe highlights more how much things haven’t changed!

Audiences will be guided through the winding streets by the enigmatic and mischievous Scullery played by Martin Williams, encountering an array of vividly drawn characters along the way played by the likes of Sue Whyte, Jem Clack, Rik E Dean, Salli Belsham, Graham Breeze, Jude Wilton, Maggie Holland and Greg Dolman along with several new faces to Masque.

I know we will have a lot of fun rehearsing this and I hope you will join us for a night of laughter, tears and raw human connection performed to a backdrop of 80s tunes.