Review by Paul Towers, 15/11/23
A Voyage Round My Father by John Mortimer
Directed by Richard Eyre
Produced by Theatre Royal Bath
At Theatre Royal Nottingham until Saturday 18th November 2023
“funny and poignant”
"Voyage Round My Father" is a poignant play written by John Mortimer, exploring the complexities of his relationship with his father. The narrative, filled with wit and emotion, delves into themes of family, identity, and the challenges of understanding a parent. The characters are richly developed, and Mortimer's clever dialogue adds depth to the exploration of the father-son dynamic. The play strikes a balance between humour and heartfelt moments, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Growing up in the shadow of a brilliant and eccentric barrister, a man (Rupert Everett) whose tea-time conversation could take in music hall, adultery, evolution, the ridiculous inconvenience of sex, Shakespeare, and the importance of avoiding anything heroic in wartime, the son (Jack Bardoe) continually yearns for his father’s love and respect. The entire family studiously avoid any mention of Father’s blindness, cause by an accident in his early 20’s.
A versatile ensemble fills out the other characters in the son’s life as he moves through school and ultimately follows his father into law.
Bardoes’ son is the main narrator while Everett pops in and out causing chaos for his son and wife (Eleanor David).
What makes this all the more funny and poignant is that all the characters are real people from Mortimer’s life.
Simply staged the script is the thing
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