The Stage

Beyond the Horizon

Published Wednesday 28 October 2009 at 11:40 by Caroline Morris

Beyond the Horizon is the second play in the Royal and Derngate’s extraordinary Young America season, being performed by the same company of actors in rotation with Tennessee Williams’ Spring Storm, both directed by the exceptional Laurie Sansom.

Michael Thomson and Liz White in a scene from Beyond the Horizon at the Royal & Derngate Photo: Robert Day

Beyond the Horizon is a largely forgotten play by Eugene O’Neill, which is wonderfully powerful story about youthful yearnings and aspirations. Michael Malarkey and Liz White’s heartbreaking relationship as husband and wife is nothing short of magnificent. This too from a young man making his professional debut.

Michael Thomson brings to the fore a wealth of emotions delivered with some superb timing, in his performance as Andrew Mayo. These three actors are interlaced with a cup brimming over of rich and colourful characters, in Joanna Bacon as Sarah Atkins, Robin Bowerman as both the Captain and Doctor, James Jordan as James Mayo and Jacqueline King as Kate Mayo.

Laurie Sansom, the Royal and Derngate’s artistic director has in recent seasons, brought to the Northampton stage theatre of the highest standard. He has directed breathtaking performances. None more so than in this mini Young America season which must surely bring yet further hugely deserved awards to this high-flying regional theatre.