The Stage

Alphabetical Order

Published Wednesday 26 May 2010 at 11:51 by Neil Bonner

There is no doubt that some plays work better than others when they are staged in the round and this is a case in point.

John O'Mahoney (Arnold) in Alphabetical Order at the New Vic Photo: Andrew Billington

Set in a provincial newspaper’s library in the early seventies, this story of newsprint, progress and, the compartmentalising of both cuttings and people, is ideally suited to the New Vic’s circular layout. Patrick Connellan’s realistic set draws the audience into its intimate atmosphere, providing a sense of genuine involvement.

With its piles of papers, bulging files and assorted reference books, the convincing set, which looks uncannily like so many newspaper libraries I have experienced during my long years in journalism, is matched by a fine ensemble cast of characters that could have been plucked from any newspaper office 30 or more years ago.

Isobel Middleton plays chief librarian Lucy with a manic charm - until, that is, her character succumbs to the improvements implemented by new arrival Lesley (Laura Doddington) who reorganises the office, bringing tidiness and order to a previously chaotic workplace. Inter-office relationships are also put on a new footing.

Michael Frayn’s bittersweet comedy is so much more than a nostalgic trip down a pre-Google memory lane, with plenty to say about ordered lives and social expectations.

The library and its colourful occupants are eventually swept away - but not before hundreds of newspaper cuttings, specially clipped by New Vic staff, are ceremoniously flung about like so much confetti. The pickers-up deserve praise, too, as well as the actors.