- A scene from Beyond the Horizon at the National. L-R James Mayo (James Jordan) Andrew Mayo (Michael Thompson) and Captain Dick Scott (Robin Bowerman) photo © The Guardian
The short period between finishing one book and beginning another is like a mini holiday (unless you’re PD James – or is it Ruth Rendall – who begins a new book 20 minutes after finishing her old one). Although I am already plotting and planning ideas -indeed I’ve written the first chapter - I allow myself to do other things without feeling that I’m skiving.
So on Tuesday I went to London for a matinee of Beyond the Horizon, a Eugene O’Neill play that has had five star reviews across the board. Even more exciting than that is my friend Robin Bowerman was in it! I don’t just mix with writers and poets, darlings…
Robin offered to show my friend Mandy (neither an actress, nor a writer although I’m sure her life would make a good film one day!) and me backstage. An opportunity not to be missed.
The Cottesloe is on the South Bank in London overlooking the Thames. It’s not the most beautiful of buildings, unless you’re partial to concrete, and the actors’ changing rooms reminded me of a ship’s cabin; cramped and confined. Of course, unlike a ship’s cabin the cubicle had a proper actor’s mirror, light bulbs an’ all. I was impressed.
A flash of Robin’s special pass allowed us through to the actors’ and National staff’s canteen. I was even more impressed – the food was really good.
After lunch, we had a look round the stage. We weren’t long – the scenery for Beyond the Horizon is best summed up as ‘minimal.’ We’re talking a tree, basically.
Robin then had to leave to get ready and we took our seats, bang in the middle of the auditorium – as they should have been for £32 a pop. Mind you, they’re going for £60 plus for War Horse. Anyway, it was worth it. The acting was brilliant – and I’m not just saying that in case Robin reads this; it really was. I can see why the revival received such sound reviews. Liz White was particularly good as Ruth Atkins, the shrewish, unfulfilled wife and it was hard to believe that the play was lead Michael Malarkey’s acting debut. Greatness beckons! The best thing about good theatre is you are aware of not just the dialogue but how every gesture, every movement the character makes counts. There was an amusing exchange in Act 1between Captain Scott, James Mayo and a bottle of whisky. Nothing was said – everything was done through action and facial expression. Clever, clever stuff. I’d recommend you go see Beyond the Horizon only it ends today. Sorry!
Me on stage at the National - who'd have thought it? The prone figure behind us is actor Michael Malarkey getting in the zone for his role as Robert Mayo. We took care not to tread on him on our way out.
Robin in his dressing room with real light bulbs