Reviewed at Mercury Theatre, Colchester.
Transfers to Curve, Leicester, 12-27 April.
David Hunter and Julie Atherton in The Hired Man. Picture: Robert Day
The Hired Man, devised by Melvyn Bragg from his 1969 book of the same name, is based on the few facts he knew about his grandfather who was born about 1890. Bragg got to know him well during the Second World War when his own father was away at the war. Persuaded by composer Howard Goodall that the story would make a good musical, the author and broadcaster finally agreed, commenting: “Goodall’s music which is English to the core, gives to the piece the spirit and depth to those who deserve it.”
The musical play follows the ups and downs of John and Emily from their marriage in 1898 to almost a quarter of a century later in 1921. Designer Juliet Shillingford has created an impressive and atmospheric corner of bucolic Cumbria, three small areas of ‘land’, tilted towards the audience, on which the drama unfolds.
Birds tweet as the audience arrives. A wonderful backdrop of distant rolling hills, superbly lit by Tom Lishman, has an industrial element introduced as the farmers gradually turn to the town for employment. With the addition of three black posts, wizened trees, we are transported to the Western Front as the lads sign up for war. The whole panorama is stunningly effective. The drama is underpinned by the musical accompaniment that comes from MD Richard Reeday at his piano, on stage throughout, and complemented by musicians who variously play roles in the drama. A multi-talented cast indeed.
Hugh Homan
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