2:47pm Tuesday 7th September 2010
By Philippa May
FRANK Elgin is an actor whose best work is far behind him, but when hotshot director Bernie Dodds comes calling, he is offered a shot at redemption, the chance to restore his reputation, but is he up to the task?
But taking the role puts Frank’s wife Georgie, the country girl of the title, in Bernie’s way. He’s convinced that Frank will be restored to his former glory if only Georgie stops controlling Frank’s every move. But has Bernie misread the situation?
The Country Girl is almost relentlessly bleak, the resolution to the three-cornered conflict surely too brittle to last, but the production running at Malvern Theatres until Saturday, September 11, proved compelling in the hands of the three leads - Martin Shaw as Frank, Jenny Seagrove as Georgie and Mark Letheren playing Bernie Dodds. Jenny Seagrove in particular was a revelation, the adoption of an American accent and a high emotional content to the script seemed to free her from the tightly controlled delivery she usually gives.
And Mark Letheren produced an uncomfortably credible picture of a man determined to get what he wants at all costs, only to discover that Frank is not the only vulnerable one. As Bernie and Georgie fight for possession of Frank’s future, it’s horribly clear that there will be no winners.
The Country Girl is at Malvern Theatres until Saturday, September 11. To book, call the box office on 01684 892277 or visit malvern-theatres.co.uk
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