Quartermaine's Terms

I found Quartermaine's Terms an unusual choice for Playlovers and more so for a young director (whom I assume was making his directorial debut), and I wonder what it was about this gentle, Simon Gray play, that appealed to this young man.

Set in the staffroom of an English language college in Cambridge during the 1960s, the play chronicles the day to day lives of the staff members.

Pleasant performances featured throughout. The cast included Peter Boylen giving a balanced performance in the title role, Nick Francis giving steady authority to the role of Henry and Helen Kerr creating a multi-layered and interesting Melanie.

Catherine Seed made a promising debut as Anita, although I would like to see her increase her projection. Karl Van Zwol was also a little softly spoken in his even portrayal of Mark.

Jordan Holloway was a breath of fresh air and very likeable as hapless Derek Meadle.

Rounding out the cast was Alan Morris. Coming to the cast very late in the rehearsal process, his polished, thoughtful performance belied his two weeks to learn the role.

The set, designed by the director, Alaric Korb, was unusually finished and nicely dressed and had some good attention to detail. Peta Korb's costuming captured the 1960s well and had some lovely character touches.

Lighting design was genially well handled with some interesting dramatic moments.

Alaric Korb is a young director with a very promising future and while this script choice left me a little underwhelmed, I look forward to seeing future productions directed by this young talent.

Kimberley Shaw