The Lucky Ones

Synopsis

A delicate and moving play which is an intelligent exploration of what can be - and perhaps what shouldn't be - passed between each generation. Some years after fleeing Germany, Leo and Bruno brought their own little piece of England. Now, in 1968, happily settled in North London and with both their families growing up, they've decided to sell. Leo could do with the money, so why, at the last minute, does he insist on an extraordinary condition of sale to the only interested buyer?

Our Review:

23 April 2002

The "lucky ones" of the title in Charlotte Eilenberg's beguiling first play are children who escaped from Nazi Germany through Kindertransport. We first meet the two German-accented couples in Dick Bird's vibrantly bright garden in 1968. Even then, they are still trying to come to terms with their heritage and their lives in England.

Bruno (David Horovitch) and Anna (Margot Leicester) have assimilated but still feel excessive gratitude to the country that has taken them in. By contrast, Leo (Anton Lesser) and Ottilie (Michelle Newell) consider themselves to be outsiders and Leo in particular wishes to fight an invisible enemy that is largely within himself. Into the happily bickering group comes an Aryan German, Lisa (Kelly Hunter). She has offered to purchase a shack that the couples jointly own. This cottage is a symbol that mirrors the Jews' lives in England.

After some hilariously prickly debate between Horovitch's grumpy Bruno and Lesser's indignant L...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 11 May 2002:

An enriching and entertaining evening. Funny, poignant, thought-provoking and excellent performances from the whole cast- you couldn't single one out, they were all brilliant. I agree with the above review, this will stay with me for a long time - not least for the thoughts it offers on parent/child relationships. Go if you can. Deserves a transfer....

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