Augusta

Published Monday 13 October 2008 at 17:35 by Katie Colombus

The New End theatre is a perfect stage for such a cosy setting. Leather sofas, full bookcases and abstract artwork make up the front room of a biographer who holds a dinner party that never really gets under way. Guests include the subject of his new book and a model-turned-artist. The plot is intriguing from the outset as the audience battle to work out whether coincidence, mental instability or devious planning is at play.

Jonathan Rigby plays Patrick the biographer. His character is a fantastic blend of cutting humour, well placed deception and utter sincerity, with a touch of the Kelsey Grammars. Rigby’s voice has a clear pitch, warm tones and his delivery is top notch.

His leading lady on the other hand, Antonia Frering as Augusta, threatens to sink the ship entirely. Luckily she is surrounded by strong male leads in the form of Rigby and George Savvides.

Story-wise there are one or two unconvincing moments - would people who have just found out these long-harboured (and rather scandalous) secrets really react in such a way? But overall, the script is well written. There are some killer moments that catch the entire audience off guard and plenty of memorable lines. For the most part, Augusta is droll, quick-witted and has a healthy balance of poetry and realism.