Amanda Gegg is bowled over by the honesty and intensity of Brenda Blethyn's performance in Haunted at Richmond Theatre.
Walking through the doors of the grand Richmond Theatre, there is a noticeable pensiveness amidst the audience. Something serious is about to take place. It is clear from the title of the play, Haunted, that it will have sinister connotations attached to it but none of us are fully prepared for the terrifying scream that introduces the tragic hero Mr. Berry.
This scream triggers the raising of lights on the simple, but well thought out set which displays vestments of a living room in front of an intrinsic glass wall that is soon splashed with projections as the scenes change.
Mr. Berry is played by Niall Buggy who convincingly displays the characteristics of a psychotically troubled man. Buggy's highly skilled portrayal doesn't necessarily invite the audience to sympathise with him, but helps us understand the reasons for his actions. He begins with a monologue describing the events that lead him to become obsessed with a young girl who, one day, shows up at his door.
The character interaction begins with the meeting of Mr. Berry and the young girl, Hazel, played by Beth Cooke. Hazel is supposed to teach elocution and Cooke's enunciation is immaculate. However, this focus on language makes her appear somewhat wooden. There are those who would say that this underlines Hazel's naivety but, for my part, it's unconvincing.
Mr Berry is overcome with awe on his first meeting with Hazel and remains captivated along with the audience until she leaves. It's at this point we meet the adorable Mrs. Berry, played by Brenda Blethyn who bustles on to stage through the front door. Blethyn's voice is striking from the outset, and you soon realise that she despairs of life. The audience feel an instant empathy with Mrs. Berry thanks to Blethyn's frank and honest portrayal.
Buggy and Blethyn are mesmerising together. They are truly convincing as a couple who have been through many problems in their lives including an affair and more importantly, a miscarriage. From the moment this is mentioned, a haunting presence of the child they never had remains on stage: physically, in the presence of a doll which Mrs. Berry clutches in compromising situations; and emotionally, through Mr. Berry's obsession with Hazel.
Haunted culminates with Mrs. Berry discovering her husband's meetings with Hazel and assuming the worst. Blethyn's crippling agony at his weakness is so convincing and charged with sadness, it brings a tear to the eye. This is the most intensely moving play I have watched in a long time. Its honesty strikes a chord in even the most unemotional person.
Haunted runs at Richmond Theatre until 13th March
Click here for Classic Theatre
Click here for Theatre in London
Click here for Things to do in London
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...