Basing a play around Radio 4’s evergreen Desert Island Discs is an inspired idea for two reasons. Firstly, the opportunities afforded for contemplation of the musical choices by both guests and listeners offers a wealth of dramatic possibilities, and secondly, it’s been around for such a long time that these can be explored over a lifetime rather than a few years.
This is exactly what Forest Forge have done with For the Record, a play especially commissioned for them and written by Joyce Branagh.
It’s an effective piece of theatre with a small but faultless cast which tells the story of elderly Reeny’s life through her Desert Island Discs.
In particular, Angela Bain’s middle-aged Reeny struggling with pills and marriage problems is very moving while Bronya Deutsch’s younger version is a model of exuberance and joy.
Jacqueline Redgewell really comes into her own at the end of the second act with a perfect study of the frustration and confusion brought on by age.
While the plot may be a little too convoluted for some tastes, the play cleverly explores the themes of ageing and regret while never becoming too sombre. Some sharp, very witty lines and a sinister teddy bear ensure that it raises a good few belly laughs too.
One small criticism would be that the filmed talking heads pieces interlinking the scenes actually affect the pacing of the play - the audience is distracted from the dramatic events unfolding on stage by projections of other actors relating their own Desert Island Discs stories.
Otherwise it’s a superbly conceived and very well performed piece.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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