After All These Years Provides an Unforgettable Night
Tabard play brings laughs and memories to the stage says Susan Stanley-Carroll
Jeffrey Holland left as Alfred. Picture: Charles Flint
February 11, 2024
After All These Years Provides an Unforgettable Night
New Tabard play bring laughs and memories to the stage, writes Susan Stanley-Carroll
During the same night, where the focus of the world’s media was on US President Jo Biden’s perceived memory loss, the Tabard Theatre also put forgetfulness to centre stage as the award winning and excruciatingly funny play, ‘After All These Years’ began its run in Chiswick.
The plot explores a friendship between two men who have been long term friends; it delves into dementia, fraying relationships, past misdemeanours and secrets perhaps they’d have been best left untold.
And although this paints a rather dour picture the audience was constantly laughing out loud. It really was a pleasure to watch and was just the tonic to escape from the gloomy February blues.
Undoubtedly it will appeal to an audience from an older demographic but having witnessed Thursday’s audience of mixed ages it’s clearly a hit for all.
The superbly crafted script of Giles Coles and deftly directed by Graham Pountney is top notch packed with a twists and turns that surprise, shock and titillate. And, oh boy, how the cast have relished and run with every word.
Judy Buxton (Joan) and Carol Ball (Marianne) 'a joy to watch'. Picture: Charles Flint
Four exceptionally experienced and skilled actors are a consummate team. The harmony of their repartee has a rare and eloquent flow to it. Also even rarer, in this day and age, every word could be heard clearly from the whole team throughout the two hours (including interval) performance.
The play really has it all: from the hilarious anecdotes of the two men (Alfred and Charlie) meeting for their regular, quiet pint, to the spontaneous, charming dancing of their wives (Joan and Marianne). Despite the humour, there is, however, constantly, the creeping undertone of more sinister aspects to the relationships, be it between partners, be it memory related, or be it the wider challenges of growing old.
There is a creeping undertone of more sinister aspects to the relationships. Picture: Charles Flint
Jeffrey Holland (Alfred) and Graham Pountney (Charlie) create a polished double act and their delivery of the opening scene is set to live long in the memory. Also the exquisite timing and interplay between Judy Buxton (Joan) and Carol Ball (Marianne) was a joy to watch.
Very much hope to pop in and enjoy this play again. It’s clear why ‘After All These Years” grabbed the winner of the ‘Outstanding Theatre Award’ at the Brighton Fringe 2023. Laughing out loud is uplifting and this production just provides one of those moments where it becomes self evident that there is much to be achieved before any of us kick that bucket.
Susan Stanley-Carroll
After All These Years runs until Sunday 24 February.
Performances 8– 17 February £23.50/£19.50 concessions.
Final week (20– 24 February) £25.50/£21.50 concessions.
You can book all productions online on the Tabard Theatre web site or call the box office on 020 8995 6035 (leave a message if you can't get through and your call will be returned).
Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).
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