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Review: Roots

February 7, 2008

Roots
Venue: Royal Exchange
Date Reviewed: 7th February 2008

star

Arnold Wesker’s Roots is a hidden classic which starred Joan Plowwright when it debuted in 1959. Walter Allen in the New Statesman described it as being “by far the best and most faithful play about working-class life that has appeared for a long time.” It is described as a ‘kitchen-sink’ drama but it has much more humour than is usually associated with the likes of Look Back In Anger.

Beatie Bryant (Claire Brown) returns home from London in 1958 with tales of high culture, art and how she has escaped from her country life. Her hard working mother (Denise Black) stands by silently as her daughter fusses, cleans and warns the family about their behaviour, in preparation for the arrival of her boyfriend; the much quoted- Ronnie.

From the moment it begins, Wesker’s classic is a quietly gripping piece and the Royal Exchange does it full justice with real fine attention to detail. From the rustic set- complete with tin bath and dirty tiles, through to the subtle performances whereby silence speaks volumes- this is a delightful production.

Brown is a highly convincing heroine; displaying innocence and a real lack of self awareness. Her constant “Ronnie says…” conversations hint towards the ‘bubbling broth’ style denoument as the Bryant house is a melting pot of stunted feelings and desires. As Beatie says “I ain’t got no roots” and she is right. But sometimes things are best left unsaid.

Black is wonderfully authentic as the stoic and stubborn mother who lives on a pittance. This brilliant actress gains laughter from the audience constantly, yet you feel empathy for her as you watch her listening to her wide eyed daughter, shattering her memories of family life, unwittingly.

Jo Combes’ direction is pitch perfect as the play builds momentum throughout and you realise that Beatie’s sense of longing to be different will result in her becoming the same. The only flaw is the lack of consistency in accents, as they waver. As good as Brown is, she veers from Australian, in tone, to Vicky Pollard from Little Britain. Most of the other characters also sound like they have travelled into Norfolk via somewhere else.

But don’t let this put you off, as Roots is still an enjoyable and warm production; a real treasure.

-Glenn Meads

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