Nichola McAuliffe took a harrowing subject for her new play (it revolves around the final months of terminal cancer patient, Maurice) and turns it on its head by a terrific injection of black humour, fine writing and a wry look at enduring marriages amongst the elderly. But can we overcome our natural inclination to shy away from such a subject, to find it offensive to laugh in the face of something which should be taken seriously? The answer is yes, yes, yes!
Maurice was once a successful jeweller, and he and his wife, Helena, lived a high life enjoying travel and cruises, a fact that she is at pains to point out now that they are living in reduced circumstances in a small and shabby bungalow due to the collapse of the financial institutions given care of their savings. Their only son, Ronnie, is estranged from them having always been a disappointment to his father. Helena is in denial about Maurice’s illness but has reluctantly agreed to a live-in nurse, Katy, coming to stay with them.
The crux of the play hinges on Maurice’s lifelong obsession with the Queen; a moment of glory in his life when he was sent to guard the crown jewels he met her, a meeting never to be forgotten but replayed with many embellishments as the years drew on. Helena is sceptical that this ever happened and also jealous that this fantasy figure counts for more in his life than her. Enter Nurse Katy, a down to earth no nonsense professional that chivvies her patient along giving him no time to feel sorry for himself but indulges him in his memories. Will he reach is 90th birthday, his ultimate goal?
Julian Glover gives a spectacular performance as Maurice, he can deliver both straight jokes with impeccable timing and the testy ripostes of the frustrated patient with equal aplomb to the audience’s delight, but his finest hour is the long monologue in the first act which held us all spellbound. There is just one minor reservation – as an upright and sprightly 77 year old himself, his stage age of 90 is hard to believe.
Shelia Reid’s quiet and understated portrayal of Helena is perfect, hinting at the seething resentment that lies underneath her long marriage whilst at the same time her unconditional love for her husband overcomes it. Nichola McAuliffe as Nurse Katy surprises us all in the second act with one of the finest pieces of character acting I’ve seen for a while and this tight knit trio give a warm and well rounded performance together. Don’t be frightened away by a seemingly grim subject this play really does make you laugh!
Jacquie Vowles