4:06pm Friday 18th December 2009
The Thatcher years have been brought to life on stage for the recording of a radio drama at the cornerHOUSE, write Rachel Nicolson and Anna Clarke.
Having, Surbiton playwright Tim Burton's second play and first venture into audio drama, tracked the life of late baby boomer Nicky, her family, friends and colleagues, in the 30 years following Thatcher's election as prime minister.
The story jumps between the present day and flashbacks, and examines Nicky's journey from troublesome teen to wealthy corporate lawyer.
Burton cleverly uses actual recordings of news reports of significant events during specific time frames, to set the scene and jolt the audience's own memories.
Denise Rocard showed what a talent she is in the role of Nicky.
Versatile and strong yet with growing sensitivity and vulnerability, she convincingly plays the successful career woman who has growing doubts about the path she has chosen to follow.
The rest of the cast multi-role, slipping effortlessly from one character into another and from one accent into another.
The fact that they were standing in front of a line of microphones and responding to sound effects created by technicians on and off stage didn't matter. It was believable.
Pacey, informative and reflective, it worked well as an audio drama but would, with a few minor adjustments, work equally well as a regular show.
It was a pleasure to be a part of the audience at the arts centre in Douglas Road, Tolworth.
Having presented us with a very novel and different way of being entertained.
Congratulations to Burton and the cast and crew of Talk About Productions, for a slick, humorous and engaging show. Radio 4 take note.
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