The Stage

Suddenly Last Summer

Published Friday 20 February 2004 at 13:35 by John Highfield

Something wonderful is happening at Sheffield Theatres, where two fine acting spaces are enjoying what can only be described as a golden age of great drama.

With Arthur Miller’s The Crucible on stage at the Crucible, the Lyceum hosts another American classic in this work by Tennessee Williams. And it is a riveting, shocking and triumphant production from Michael Grandage.

From the opening, where Christopher Oram’s great set splits open to reveal a world of decay and corruption, you know this is going to be unforgettable theatre. But nothing can really prepare you for the rollercoaster ride that follows - a gloriously operatic, surreal and deadly journey into fear without the brakes on.

As the matriarch of an amazingly dysfunctional family, Diana Rigg gives an extraordinary performance, grand in gesture and yet minutely detailed - a forceful and fascinating portrait of a woman prepared to take any step towards achieving her goal.

She already has the poor relations - an excellent Abigail McKern and Patrick Kennedy - in her grasp and has set her sights on Dr Mark Bazeley, the outsider and one person who believes there might be something in niece Catharine’s story.

It is at this point that Victoria Hamilton steps forward with what can only de described as theatrical tour de force, an astonishing, harrowing and compelling monologue that leaves the audience exhausted by its sheer intensity and emotional energy.

This is an outstanding achievement at every level.