Review: ECLIPSE, Chichester Festival Theatre
Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz
The scene is set as soon as you enter the intimate Minerva Studio and the world of Edward and his two children, Sarah and Jonathan. The birds’ tweet, the grass is under foot, and we are peering into a former rectory in Devon and its picturesque cottage garden with hollyhocks and foxgloves. The incredible detail and chaos of the shelves in the kitchen, the pharmacy bag on the chopping table and the badger toy starring inwards already start to tell the story. The floral display around the bird box and revolving washing line outside add to the authentic feel. We instantly know that it is the dawn of a summer’s day, thanks to Simon Higlett’s superb set.
John Morton’s new play is beautifully observed and written with a lovely level of humour woven into the poignant scene as we see life around a terminally ill Edward in an offstage room as his family and carers gather to support him in his final hours. Edward is the author of Brian the Badger books and more recently the less profitable Philosophy of the Garden. The underlying tensions, the memories and the uncertainty of the immediate and longer-term future bubble away under the surface over endless cups of tea. Occasionally, they surface in an outburst over the toaster, strawberry yoghurt or a Chinese meal. Anyone who has lost a parent will recognise the emotions and strain on display.
The carers act with a calm level-headed “life goes on” attitude. From Selina Cadel’s first entrance for her shift as Karen, we know that she has seen it all before as she jovially and professionally manages the situation supported by Linda (Lizzie Hopley), the visiting nurse Julia (Katherine Bennett-Fox) and the Doctor (Maanuv Thiara). Cadell wonderfully captures the casual conversation making contrasted with the solemn invitation to return to Edward’s room for a final time.
Sarah Parish and Rupert Penry-Jones are magnificent as the sister and brother. Sarah is exhausted and tense carrying the burden of the situation and occasionally lashing out at her energetically busy husband with a wandering eye, Graham (Paul Thornley). Jonathan is more lost in his thoughts, worrying about an unseen Emma and taken aback by the arrival of Nell (Mariam Haque), after a five-hour drive from Brighton, who clearly also cares for Edward. Together, they pace their delivery with very well-judged heartrending looks and pauses that resonate with the audience. It is one of most authentic and moving acting performances we have seen in recent years, made all the more powerful by the intimacy of the setting and venue.
The lighting design by Emma Chapman is exquisite, capturing the changing light over twenty-four hours and creating a beautiful sunrise enhanced by the sound design with birds calls by Ed Clarke. These strong elements are drawn together by director John Morton himself. Even the scene changes as the day passes are wonderfully choreographed to reset and show the passing of the time. Nothing feels rushed, the pacing gently moves the story forward to the inevitable conclusion while playing with our emotions, a moment of conflict broken by a big laugh or a pull on the heart strings.
The title, Eclipse, is equally well judged. The metaphor of an anticipated foreboding solar eclipse plunging the world into darkness and silence before emerging again as life goes on is perfect for the situation. Anyone who has experienced the situation will shudder at the feeling of despondency and grief at the moment of a life’s eclipse, even when it is anticipated and prepared for and then must recognise that for those left behind life does indeed go on. Even if you have not yet experienced these inevitable moments, this faultless production is a perfect introduction to the feelings we all experience at a parents’ passing.
This is probably the most completely perfect production we have seen in recent years. Every element has been developed and delivered with incredible care and attention and will live long in the memory and perhaps we will all be a little better prepared for that moment when it occurs in our own lives. If we could give the show six stars, we would, Besties!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Nick Wayne
Eclipse plays at Chichester Festival Theatre until 6 June, with further info here.