A Cold Coming (tour)
November 9, 2007
A Cold Coming : Customs House South Shields and tour
Following a try out at the Library Theatre in South Shields, A Cold Coming, which is the first play by author Chaz Brenchley (winner of the British Fantasy Award and Northern Writer of the Year 2000) has commenced a much deserved tour.
Telling the story of Quinn (played by Brenchley himself) who lies close to death, the play introduces a network the friends who have produced a rota to stay with him 24 hours a day, thereby allowing him to remain in his own bed and die at home.
Each of the friends appears, on first glance, to have a reason to be there and want to repay Quinn for his love and friendship, these include his doctor, a former student and former lover Stuart.
But when Micheal returns from Japan, to the home he left a year before, just as his lover, Quinns’ health started to deteriorated, recriminations begin. Old wounds open up as accusations of him running away, instead of facing up to caring for Quinn, surface. Micheal faces head on his accusers, each trying to find the motive for him leaving in the first place and more importantly an answer as to why he has suddenly returned, as Quinn now faces death at anytime.
Brenchleys’ writing ensures that you are never too sure which way the storyline will unfold. Without spoiling the last few minutes of the play, I must admit leaving the theatre wondering was Michael actually totally heartless towards his ex-lover or actually showing unconditional love. I still have not made up my mind, which is credit to Brenchleys writing and to Peter Lathan direction, that I both care about Quinn and that I am still thinking about the play.
Having seen the play at the Library Theatre and again at the Customs House, with the same cast, I find Sean Kenney (Films include Star Wars : The Phantom Menace and Tomorrow Never Dies) has settled in to the role of Michael and gave an even more powerful performance than I remebered. He is virtually never off stage throughout and his perfomance makes sure you watch his every move, as he commands the stage . Viktoria Kay (Deborah) delivers the other powerful performance of the evening and the scenes between her and Kenney are when the production really alive.
Directed by Peter Lathan, using a simple basic set, keeps the play intimate with the audience by being presenting it in the studio theatre.
While this is not a light hearted play, it is a play to make you think and you do come away doing exactly that. This production has grown in stature since I saw it orginally and is now even more thought provoking on the second time.
I hope Brenchley is already working on his second play.
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