Set in a nursing home in 2014, Edward Kinsley tells us about his life and, ever the Gentleman, offers us tea. He was a Captain stationed in Italy in the Second World War and was injured twice, both times taking him to hospital. His first stay changes his life forever as he meets a nurse called Elizabeth. His story is compelling and draws the audience in; we are there with him on the fields in Italy and see this old man as the young man full of hopes and dreams trying with all his might to survive.
David Fielder gives a stunning performance. He is charming, warm and brave and brings Edward to life.
You can tell that this play has pedigree and the quality of the cast, crew and creatives shines through. The writer and director clearly make a great team. Jill Hucklesby is a local award winning writer and Chris Bond has a prolific CV, having been Artistic Director at both the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres in Liverpool and having directed at many regional theatres including Birmingham Rep and West Yorkshire Playhouse.
David Fielder gives a stunning performance. He is charming, warm and brave and brings Edward to life. He too has a glowing resume having appeared at the Donmar Warehouse, the National Theatre and The Royal Court amongst many other major regional and international tours. Established local actress Nicky Croydon–Bond voices all other characters from the side of the stage. Although she is not specifically part of the action Croydon-Bond brings life and charm to these voices, making them so three dimensional that we can picture their faces, their clothes and how they look at Edward.
This is an intelligent, moving, perfectly constructed play that is performed beautifully. Go and see it. It’s just a shame it doesn’t have a longer run.
