Review: “Separation”, at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton until May 10th

Tom Kempinski’s other best known play, “Separation”, is being shown at the Octagon Bolton in repetoire with his most famous drama, “Duet for One”.
Rob Edwards as Joe Green in Separation at the Octagon, Bolton. Photo: Ian TiltonRob Edwards as Joe Green in Separation at the Octagon, Bolton. Photo: Ian Tilton
Rob Edwards as Joe Green in Separation at the Octagon, Bolton. Photo: Ian Tilton

The production features the same two actors, Rob Edwards and Clare Foster, and both directed by Elizabeth Newman. In “Separation”, Kempinski uses his own experiences to create the character Joe Green, a divorced, obese, agoraphobic writer with writer’s block. It is an unsparing portrayal.

Joe Green is contacted by an American actress, Sarah Wise, who wants more information about appearing in one of his plays. However, Sarah is suffering from a form of debilitating neuropathy which is crippling her. She and Joe conduct a series of transatlantic telephone conversations and have two meetings.

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Despite her illness and physical disadvantages, she seems to have a more positive outlook and delightful touches of humour. Rob Edwards plays the playwright with skill and shows the changes in his physical and mental state, but, for me, I found it hard to relate to such an unsympathetic character.

Rob Edwards as Joe Green in Separation at the Octagon, Bolton. Photo: Ian TiltonRob Edwards as Joe Green in Separation at the Octagon, Bolton. Photo: Ian Tilton
Rob Edwards as Joe Green in Separation at the Octagon, Bolton. Photo: Ian Tilton

The stage design by Amanda Stoodley melds the American bedroom with the London sitting room cleverly so the actors can move from scene to scene seamlessly. This is a very interesting play, but I have to confess that, having seen “Duet for One” recently, I felt I was covering much of the same ground. It is a brave decision of the Octagon to run both plays together.

The Octagon’s next production will be the much-loved story of northern musicians, “Brassed Off”, and then “Love Story” starring Daniel Boys and Lauren Samuels, both of whom found initial success in television talent shows.

Box office: 01204 520661. Website: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

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