Humble Boy

Published Wednesday 16 April 2008 at 17:30 by Caroline Morris

With its sensational garden set by Ben Stones and the added touch of the occasional flower scent, this production of Humble Boy directed by Richard Beecham at the Royal Theatre is an extraordinary rich mix of vibrant characters.

Some will love it, some may even dislike it, but without doubt it has the ability to engender frustration, laughter, sadness, pathos and irritation.

There are two exceptional performances from this tight cast. Jeremy Swift as the somewhat affected scientist and heartbroken son, Felix, was little short of stupendous. His ability to portray complex mental and physical emotions was spellbinding.

Penny Ryder as the long-suffering friend Mercy drew a round of spontaneous applause from the audience. Her nervous outburst was magnificent.

Lesley Joseph threw herself headlong into the strong-willed, headstrong and often misguided widow and mother, Flora.

Roger Sloman bubbled over as George in hot pursuit of Flora. His over-the-top character received a wonderfully over-the-top performance.

Playing his daughter Rosie was Amy Marston, with brilliant attention to detail to the awkwardness and uncomfortable nature of this often misplaced young lady.

And then to the gardener Jim, played by Simon Molloy, portrayed with exceptionally genteel qualities but it’s not until the final moments of the story that we discover why.