A Voyage Round My Father

On Thursday night we saw A Voyage Round My Father at the Donmar Warehouse. The play was written by Sir John Mortimer who was a barrister and an author, most famous for the Rumpole of Bailey Street books. As the title suggests it is a memoir of the author's life with his father who was also a barrister as well as being a cantankerous, difficult man. The production is anchored by a lovely, heartfelt performance by Sir Derek Jacobi, who conveys the nuances of feeling that his character does not verbally express with a deft touch. The play was sold out for it's run at the Donmar and it was wonderful to see this play in such a small (250 seats) intimate space. The audience is seated on three sides of the stage. Every entrance and exit became part of the play, and the actors themselves brought the furniture on and off the stage with a grace and economy of movement that was balletic.

On accident I met Sir Jacobi after the show. As luck would have it there was a line for the ladies room, and when another woman from the group and I emerged after talking to two English women about fashion, he was standing in the hall. I won't go on with the whole story here, email me if you want details. Suffice it to say Sir Jacobi was gracious and self effacing, a lovely man.

On Friday we had as our guest in class Thea Sharrock who directed the play. She is less than thirty and already well launched
into a successful career. After meeting her I can understand why: She is brilliant.

The pictures were taken at Trafalgar Square at night. The closeup is of Pocahantas.