The Stage

Accolade

Published Monday 7 February 2011 at 11:09 by Paul Vale

The Finborough’s RediscoveriesUK season concludes with this first revival of Welsh dramatist Emlyn Williams’ shocking play, which explores the nature of secrecy in public life. Even today the subject of drunken parties, orgies and rough trade fuel the tabloids so Williams’ frank approach would have scandalised its original fifties audience with its story of recently knighted author Will Trenting leading a double life.

Aden Gillett (Will Trenting) and Graham Seed (Daker) in Accolade at Finborough Theatre Photo: Tristram Kenton

Aden Gillett makes for a convincing Trenting, highlighting the relative normality and honesty of his home life. Ultimately the audiences sympathy for this character is judged by the reactions of others and in particular Trenting’s wife Rona played by the sublime Saskia Wickham. Level headed and affectionate, it is their honest relationship that grounds the play and both Gillett and Wickham offer exemplary, understated performances.

Strong support is given by Simon Darwen and Olivia Darnley as Harold and Phyllis, Trenting’s jolly Rotherhithe swingers and Graham Seed, late of the The Archers is perfectly creepy as the seedy blackmailer, Daker.

Blanche McIntyre’s direction includes some affecting touches that help recreate a real sense of family, compounded by James Cotterill’s excellent set design, which turns the whole space into the Trenting’s library and seats some of the audience.