REVIEW:A Woman of No Importance
A Woman of No Importance
Moser Theatre, 18 May - 20 May
Watching A Woman of No Importance, we undergo a slow realisation that we are, in fact, surveilling a woman we spend our whole lives avoiding. She is all too recognisable: the clipped articulation, impenetrable gaze and irritating brashness combine to jolt us into that dangerous mix of detestation and overwhelming pity. Alan Bennett’s rhythmic monologue communicates the faint misery of the downtrodden Peggy Schofield (Aimee Macpherson).
As her world crumbles around her, so too does her entire persona: from office worker to mental patient in one devastating swoop. We find ourselves being sucked into Peggy’s world of disappointment: a world in which canteen conversation is all-important and a nurse is entitled to be hated “because she smiles too much”.
Macpherson’s performance is wellcalculated and smooth, holding the stage with minimal movement and maintaining interest with her considered enunciation and an effective use of the nuances of Bennett’s language. Peggy’s gradual disintegration is poignantly dealt with in Macpherson’s sensitive degeneration of speech; as the pauses widen, so too does the void in her life. Director Eleanor Fellowes’ emphasis on voice and physicality works on a naturalistic basis.
Dull maybe, but true to Bennett’s understated recreations of life. Boredom may well be expected from those not so intent in meticulously studying Macpherson’s subtle characterisation. Bennett’s play reflects life admirably, but fails to truly challenge or intrigue. In other words, a beautifully crafted character emerges from a Play of No Importance.
18th May 2006