Different Way Home
Jimmie Chinn’s poignant comedy was apparently written with actor Roy Barraclough in mind. Set in Oldham, it’s a story about sibling misunderstandings that become re-ignited by a mother’s recent death.
The first half of the play is devoted to Leslie, a sixty-year old bachelor, who shares his apparent loss in both humorous and melancholic mood. Naturally, comparisons with Alan Bennett might be drawn – which is hardly surprising, given that Chinn played a key role in a televised Talking Heads. It’s a familiar and cosy setting, with Chinn’s northern humour meticulously delivered by Barraclough.
However, the prevailing sadness which encircles Leslie derives from his lonely existence, and divided family of whom Maureen is the most scorned. Leslie becomes increasingly irritated by her snobbish behaviour, seeing her recent marriage and endorsement of her Jewish husband’s faith as abandonment. Equally her absence around the time of their mother’s illness is regarded as unforgivable. Yet given this unflattering introduction, Maureen is an altogether more lively character.
The second monologue takes on an altogether more comedic air. Barraclough’s portrayal of Maureen is reminiscent of his other female guises, of which Cissy and Ada (with fellow comedian Les Dawson) are best known. Maureen is a breath of fresh air – she’s more direct, upright and wonderfully snobbish. The laughs come, thick and fast in this section of the show and with a quickening momentum, Maureen relays her version of events. The rejection of her marriage, lack of invites and consequent involvement in family affairs clearly hurt. Chinn builds the story skilfully, saving revelations of a younger brother to last.
Barraclough’s performance is wholly enjoyable and he’s evidently at ease with Chinn’s material. Lawrence Till’s direction keeps a tight rein on the laughs and delivers an insightful piece of theatre. It’s neither highly original nor as riveting as great theatre can be, but it’s engaging and humorous and delivered by a reliable, highly skilled actor.
– Karen Neville (reviewed at Watford Palace)
