The Dresser

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The Dresser by Ronald Harwood is directed by Di Trevis. The writer and director of an English Tragedy return to the Palace.

It's 1942, bombs are raining down from the sky and the lights are going out all over Europe. Except, that is, in a provincial theatre in England where, in war-torn Britain, an ageing actor-manager, known to his company as Sir, is struggling to find the strength to make it to the stage for his two hundred and twenty-seventh performance of King Lear.

With thirty minutes to curtain-up, air-raid sirens sounding and the best actors having been "called up", Sir is crumbling. Devoted dresser Norman must once again rally the unpredictable star, whose grip on sanity is becoming increasingly precarious.

For 16 years Norman has been massaging Sir's ego, fixing Sir's wig, reminding Sir of his opening lines and helping to provide the sound effects for the storm scene.

Inspired by the memories of his years working as Donald Wolfit's dresser, Ronald Harwood's evocative, perceptive and hilarious portrait of backstage life is one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.

Our images show, below the Palace Theatre's centennial logo, Clive Francis who plays "Sir" (photo credit Manuel Harlan) and Author Ronald Harwood (courtesy of David Long Photography)

Look out for our review that will appear here after press night. See more about the Palace Theatre.

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Review by our performing arts reviewer.

Don’t miss this one !!

I really enjoyed this latest production at Watford Palace Theatre. We’ve had some truly wonderful centenary performances and full credit to Di Trevis and her artistic team, this play was up there with them.

Set mostly in a backstage dressing room, the Dresser contrasted sadness and humour throughout. The special effects helped to make the play extremely realistic. You could easily believe you were there in that wartime theatre, quaking during the roar of air raids.

We all felt sorry for “Sir” played by the brilliant Clive Francis as he lost his marbles
again and again before he was due to play King Lear, or was it Richard 3^rd? His rants, interspersed with brief moments of sanity, had us all engrossed. Superb acting and top-flight direction complementing the masterful script from Ronald Harwood.

Norman, “Sir’s” dutiful and fabulous dresser/confidant played by the brilliant Graham Turner was a visual and audible delight. He was reassuring to Sir, yet he was also knowingly and willingly competing with him. Both Sir and Norman had some terrific one-liners which found their target and clearly delighted the audience members I was surrounded by.

I particularly liked the clever way the growing nervousness and tension were built as we were led from dressing room to “waiting in the wings”.

For the record, I could have watched the interplay between Norman and Sir all night, as you complemented each other quite perfectly!! I loved the storm scene, Norman, no-one could have stolen your thunder, even the reluctant Mr Oxenby!!

Madge played by Penelope Beaumont and her ladyship/pussy played by Sarah Berger were very strong yet quite different characters, but both were in total awe of “Sir”. Whilst her ladyship was in current favour, Madge tugged at our heartstrings as she sought to usurp her ladyship’s position. Much surprise came later when young stage hand Irene played by Sasha Higgins revealed that she, too, had a crush on the old and dishevelled “Sir”.

Geoffery Thornton played by Robin Hooper and Mr Oxenby played by Christopher Kelham provided very able support with great stage presence, being both funny and scary!

In summary, a really great play and well worth a repeat visit. Well done to everyone involved at the front and back of house for a truly credible and enjoyable performance.

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Opening times: 4 - 27 September
Address: Watford Palace Theatre
Clarendon Road
Watford
Telephone: 01923 225671
Email: info@wa...re.co.uk
Website: http://w...re.co.uk/