My Zinc Bed
Royal and Derngate certainly in its current season provides a challenging and at times controversial programme, definitely no playing safe or going for popular theatre.
Jamie Parker in My Zinc Bed at the Royal and Derngate Photo: Robert Day
David Hare’s My Zinc Bed, with its dominant theme of alcoholism and the combination of attraction and friction between the three characters, can be uncomfortable as well as challenging.
A limited stage set designed by Jess Curtis in itself creates a starkness and coldness.
Director Laurie Sansom has pulled yet another brilliantly theatrical production out of the bag. The tautness, friction and sharpness are all stunningly intense.
Robert Gwilym reveals vulnerable chinks in the armour of worldly wise and dominant internet billionaire, Victor Quinn, brilliantly entrapping the audience with his every remark.
In contrast, Leanne Best provides Elsa Quinn with a clingfilm-like layer of self-protection, vulnerable through and through.
Jamie Parker plays alcoholic Paul Peplow who stumbles from one crisis to another, using his drinking as the excuse for his vulnerability.
These three actors provide an extraordinary if at times brilliantly uncomfortable evening at the theatre. The brief moments of humour are much-needed light relief.
If dark intense drama is your evening at the theatre, then the Royal and Derngate’s My Zinc Bed will be a real treat.
Production information
- By:
- David Hare
- Management:
- Royal & Derngate Theatre
- Cast:
- Leanne Best, Robert Gwilym, Jamie Parker
- Director:
- Laurie Sansom
- Design:
- Jess Curtis
- Sound:
- Adrienne Quartley
- Lighting:
- Anna Watson
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Royal and Derngate, Royal Northampton
- February 26-March 13 2010
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