There are reasons why amateur theatres sometimes shy away from attempting the play Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolf. Edward Albee’s famous offering is found challenging by the majority of professional actors to perform. Also the film of the same name has been indelibly imprinted on the viewers’ psyche after the acerbic performance by Elizabeth Taylor and a sardonic Richard Burton.
However, Workington Playgoers has done an outstanding job of crafting the play into an enthralling and memorable performance, which opens at Theatre Royal on February 5 and will run until February 9.
Will Tillotson, who plays history professor George, said: “It’s the toughest play I’ve ever had to do.” George’s wife Martha is played by Grace Walker and the two really could be a middle aged couple that are past caring what others think about their frequent arguing and volatile relationship.
Kelly Pearce and Craig Norendal play the young couple Honey and Nick, who find themselves as key players in the older couple’s mind games, after being invited over for a drink.
Revelations that emerge have unintended consequences for both couples.
All four actors handle this emotionally charged play admirably and should be commended for being able to remember so many lines and convincingly maintain an American accent.
Albee revealed in an interview that George and Martha were based on his good friends Willard Maas and Marie Menken. This may have helped to give the play an extra dimension of realism which exudes to the audience.
Review by Times & Star Lynne Wild
