Review: The Private Ear and The Public Eye – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Published on: 4 Sep, 2013
Updated on: 4 Sep, 2013

Clockwise: Siobhan O’ Kelly,  Jasper Britton, Rupert Hill, Steven Blakeley – Photo Shaun Webb

by Amy Yorston

One act plays are enjoying a resurgence of popularity at the moment which is fantastic not just for new playwrights but also for theatre companies as it gives them the opportunity to revisit previously overlooked pieces.

Neither of the plays staged as part of this double bill are in the main cannon of Peter Schaffer’s work despite being performed together in a successful West End Run and a Broadway transfer. The original 1962 cast featured both Kenneth Williams and Maggie Smith but this is the first major revival in fifty years.

As mentioned in the programme notes, one act plays when presented together in an evening should compliment each other rather than compete. It is for the audience to draw out the common themes if they want to or to just enjoy two stand alone stories. As an added twist however, there is some fine multi-rolling in this production which does highlight Schaffer’s threads of thought with regards to conflicting outlooks on life.

Rupert Hill (top) and Steven Blakeley – Photo Shaun Webb

The Private Ear is set in Bob’s bedsit in Belsize Park and charts a dinner date that veers dramatically off course. Jittery Bob (Steven Blakeley) has invited shy Doreen (Siobhan O’Kelly) for dinner after meeting her at a concert but has also asked his flash friend Ted (Rupert Hill) to provide support by cooking the meal and helping the conversation flow.

This trio interacts brilliantly and there are some beautifully awkward pauses and expressive silences. As to be expected, there is much humour in the piece but there is also a bitter-sweet edge that Steven Blakeley captures perfectly in a character wanting so much from life while, at the same time, denying himself its pleasures.

By contrast The Public Eye is set in Charles Sibley’s office in Bloomsbury. This at first glance seems a conventional comedy but, as with much of Schaffer’s work, there is a social commentary running throughout. To divulge the plot would ruin the fun but suffice to say when uptight Charles (Jasper Britton) hires a private detective to investigate his wife the spiraling consequences are far reaching.

This production features an excellent cast who handle the humour and pathos of both pieces with ease. Tightly directed the pace is appropriately swift which gives both plays a fitting sense of momentum. Linked by ideas of love, materialism, education and class but with entirely different plots this is an absorbing night of theatre with the bonus of including the most original set change that I’ve seen in a long time!

The Private Ear and The Public Eye – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Thursday 29^th August to Saturday 7^th September

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