Mother Courage and Her Children

Published Friday 10 November 2006 at 15:20 by John Thaxter

Bertolt Brecht’s chronicle of the Thirty Years War depicts a continental clash of faith as a profitable trading opportunity, personified by Mother Courage trundling her horseless cart - symbol of honest venality in a world gone mad - across the battlefields of 17th century Europe, along with her ill-fated offspring.

The play is a huge challenge for its actors, not least for that heavy cart dragged around the stage for upwards of three hours, here magnified by the touring demands of Stephen Unwin’s 50th anniversary production to no fewer than eight venues. So perhaps a first word of praise for their stamina and a brilliant team of ASMs whose deft skills at scene-setting make a long evening fly.

At first glance Diana Quick is unexpected casting for the title role. But she acquits herself magnificently as the great survivor, a feisty figure whose striking physical attraction often shines through the tough exterior, touching tragedy when she must first hold back the tears at her younger son’s death before succumbing to uncontrollable grief, then at the last convincingly aged by a hard life.

Among an excellent supporting cast Michael Cronin does yeoman service as both narrator and all-purpose veteran, Patrick Drury’s powerful delivery as the Chaplain makes a strong case for a high moral stance, Wole Ojo is an eye-catching General and tough squaddie, while Janet Whiteside proves strong casting as the Farmer’s Wife.

Two other performances stand shoulder-high with Quick’s Courage. Tom Georgeson plays the Cook as a droll, pragmatic Geordie, with a sly knowing smile, while up and coming actress Jodie McNee as dumb daughter Kattrin gives powerful expression to a wordless role.

Hundreds of A-Level students crowded the Richmond stalls, gripped by this first rate production given in Michael Hofmann’s gutsy, colloquial translation.