The Children’s Hour

Published Monday 17 March 2008 at 10:15 by Natalie Anglesey

Playwright Lillian Hellman was adamant that this play is not about lesbianism but the destructive power of a lie. Yet for many, it still has important things to say about both those subjects.

First produced on Broadway, to critical acclaim, in 1934, this revival, directed by Sarah Francom, presents a tale of prejudice and malicious mendacity.

Liz Ascroft’s layered octagonal set, which includes a slow revolve, begins as the classroom of a small American private school and is transformed into other areas by choreographed scene changes beautifully performed by the students, some of whom remain seated on the periphery of the stage area, where their Chinese whispers pervade the action.

Maxine Peake as Karen Wright, one of the founders of the school, has grown in stature as an actress. Her new-found maturity is evident vocally and physically with a strong stillness as she veers from outrage to nobility in the face of initial defeat and finally to the ultimate emptiness of victory.

Charlotte Emmerson is also good as Martha, her colleague and friend, whilst Kate O’Flynn shines as Mary, the instigator of the lies. Jan Ravens fleshes out the selfish, ageing Lily Mortar and June Watson is a strong Mrs Tilford. However, Milo Twomey is rather hampered by a cumbersome moustache, as loyal Doctor Joe.

Frankcom is a newly appointed artistic director of the Royal Exchange and this fine production is further evidence that this has been a wide decision.