The York Realist
Written By: Peter Gill
Presented By: Good Night Out Presents
Riverside Studios
22/09/2009 - 11/10/2009
*A tender look at sexual and class relations in 1960's England.
Eight years ago, “The York Realist” premiered at the Lowry under the direction of its playwright, Peter Gill. It then transferred to the Bristol Old Vic, the Royal Court Theatre, was nominated for an Olivier Award, and finally found its home at the Strand Theatre in the West End where it ran to commercial and critical acclaim. Good Night Out Present’s production of “The York Realist”, directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher, is the play’s first UK revival as well as the first Peter Gill script performed at Riverside Studios where he is the Founder Director. It is easy to see why this piece of work has been consistently met with such high praise, and this excellent revival does both the script and its playwright justice.
“The York Realist” is set in rural, northern England in 1961. A theatre director, John, has come to York to direct the renowned, medieval “York Mystery Plays”. A tentative bond forms between John and George, a member of the cast and a local farm worker. The two embark on a sexual relationship, which questions John’s security with himself and George’s loyalty to his family and his ageing mother in particular. As their relationship grows, George must decide between the life he has always known and the potential of a future life in London with John. There is a deep class tension between the two, and despite their mutual affection, this barrier threatens their happiness and is central to their relationship.
The thing that is so remarkable about “The York Realist” is that it bucks preconceptions about exactly who is and is not comfortable with their sexuality. The rural northern farm laborer is unabashedly and unapologetically true to both himself and his desires, while the middle-class London theatre director is more withheld and uncertain. When John confronts George about whether or not his homosexuality has ever bothered him, he replies “No, but then I don’t look into things like you do”. Indeed, even George’s working-class, church going family are silently accepting of his lifestyle, if most notably through their encouragement and love. Despite their home, which smacks of tradition and is filled with traditional family wedding photographs, they are more concerned with George’s happiness than with his choice of partner. This family love is what is really at the heart of the piece. This is indeed a love story, but it does not focus exclusively on the sexual and romantic love between George and John. Some of the play’s most tender and moving moments come with the displays of affection between George and his mother, sister, nephew, and brother-in-law. This is a story about love in all its forms, including the love and acceptance of one’s self.
Peter Gill writes with a great warmth and tenderness, which pulls his audience into his character’s lives. There is also a great deal of humor in “The York Realist”, with some of the finest comedic moments coming from veteran actor Stephanie Fayerman as George’s mother. As George, Stephen Hagan is particularly excellent, as is Matthew Burton in the role of John. This revival owes its success, in large part, to its extremely talented cast, as well as Adam Spreadbury-Maher’s direction, which is nothing short of perfection. The lovely set designed by Kate Guinness is also of note. Playing through October 11, 2009, this is a truly outstanding production and yet another shining success for Good Night Out Presents Theatre Company. Proof in point: on press night, the cast was required to take three separate curtain calls, each to deafening applause. 5 Stars.
Playing through October 11th at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. Review written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Review: http://www.fringereview.co.uk .
