The Stage

Spring and Port Wine

Published Wednesday 1 September 2010 at 15:52 by Sheila Tracy

Bill Naughton hammers the nail on the head with his 1967 play, which, following his success the previous year with Alfie, was also made into a film with James Mason in the leading role of an autocratic Yorkshireman, ruling his family with a rod of iron. Unanimous reviews described it as a case of serious miscasting. No such criticism of Jeffrey Holland, who pulls out every trick in the book with great expertise. Judy Buxton, as the long suffering wife, is superb and never puts a foot wrong in her portrayal of a wife driven to distraction trying to prevent the family balloon from going up.

Jeffrey Holland and Judy Buxton in Spring and Port Wine at the Mill, Sonning Photo: Norman Moulsley

Helen Armes, as the youngest member of the family gives a convincing performance as the one who lights the fuse for the storm to come. The contrast is well drawn between her and Kate Middleton as the older sister, more relaxed with the family atmosphere, being about to get married to Jonathan Niton, whose role is probably less conspicuous than the others but who nevertheless is totally convincing.

Neil Andrew is excellent as the older brother, as is Andy Daniel, the younger sibling, prepared to go along with his decision to leave the nest. Anita Graham, with a relatively minor role as the next door neighbour, always trying to borrow a fiver, is perfect and what a great idea to have the two brothers re-arranging the set, to music, between acts. All credit to director Sally Hughes for an outstanding production.