Peter de Francia (January 25 1921-January 19 2012)
Peter de Francia's work was informed by the socialist principles which set him resolutely on the side of the marginalised and oppressed
Red Army Faction Blues
Red Army Faction Blues persuasively blends fact and fiction in its account of Germany's turbulent times from the '60s to the '80s, writes Paul Simon
Peter de Francia (January 25 1921-January 19 2012)
Peter de Francia's work was informed by the socialist principles which set him resolutely on the side of the marginalised and oppressed
Andersen's English
Library Theatre, Manchester
Friday 12 March 2010
Printable
Email
Niamh Cusack puts in a star turn as Dickens's wife Catherine
When Hans Christian Andersen arrived unexpectedly at the home of Charles Dickens, he thought he had arrived in a little piece of English paradise.
To him this large bustling family appeared to be the epitome of Englishness.
But the truth was very different - the family was beset with domestic tension.
Dickens may have been a champion of the poor and downtrodden but in his domestic life he could be cruel and dictatorial.
He banished his wife Catherine to London to live out her life in isolation.
And he scattered his sons to the four corners of the globe and abandoned his young maid when she became pregnant by his son Walter.
Sebastian Barry, probably the best playwright writing in English today, has written a beautiful evocation of this encounter and paints a quiet picture of a bemused Andersen watching the storm clouds gather over the Dickens's household.
This is an absorbing and hugely intelligent play, excellently served by Max Stafford-Clark and his wonderful Out of Joint Theatre company, who deliver an inventive and polished production.
The acting is first rate with a heart-breaking performance from Niamh Cusack as Dickens's much put upon wife Catherine.
Runs until March 27 at the Salisbury Playhouse, then tours to Clwyd Theatre, Mold from March 30 to April 3 and Hampstead Theatre, London from April 7 to May 8. Box office: (020) 7606-4455
If you have enjoyed this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep publishing your paper.
