The Stage

Promises, Promises

Published Thursday 4 February 2010 at 11:15 by Gareth Vile

Better known for comic reflections on his own life, director Johnny McKnight has made a brave move into serious territory with this lengthy monologue.

Examining issues as controversial as female circumcision and alcoholism, it centres around the tumultuous day of an aging supply teacher. Confronted with a politically correct headmaster and a little girl suspected of being possessed by a devil, she slowly reveals her resentment at her religious father’s cruelty, before committing an act of incredible violence.

Douglas Maxwell’s writing flows at steady pace - softening the audience with early humour, it gradually moves towards its dark conclusion. Joanna Tope’s performance is a tour de force, bringing sympathy and compassion to her alcoholic supply teacher. Bold use of lighting and music maintains the atmosphere at crucial moments, while the psychology of the characters is played out at an even rate.

At times, it feels as if Maxwell has taken on too many major themes - multiculturalism, alcoholism, racism, religious bigotry, political correctness and female circumcision are all weighty enough in themselves. Yet he weaves the themes together towards the brutal finale. Through strong characterisation, and Tope’s bravura, Promises, Promises is relentlessly unsettling and refuses to give simple answers to complex problems.