Synopsis:
Humble Boy is a wonderful play — rich,
original, intelligent, funny and touching.
It tells the story of one Felix Humble, a
Cambridge researcher, who returns to his
Cotswold home on the death of his father,
a biology teacher and beekeeper.
The grieving Felix, confronted by his
demanding mother, the ‘queen bee’ of the
Humble hive, attempts to apply the
superstring theory of physics to the
chaotic human relationships he finds
around him, but with a mixed degree of
success.
Charlotte Jones’ award winning comedy
was first performed at the National Theatre
in 2001 with Simon Russell Beale as Felix
and Diana Rigg as his mother.
Come along and see it, and you will be
assured of a richly entertaining evening. |
Review:
by Linda Kirkman, Theatre Critic for the Daily Echo.
"LET me start with a rant against the mobile phone owner whose failure to switch it off at last night’s performance ruined the most poignant moment of this excellent production. Shame on you, whoever you are.
"That apart though, I found nothing to criticise in this Charlotte Jones play, the content of which is summed up in the programme as ‘Glenn Miller, bees and astrophysics revolve around relationship between mother, son and dead husband.’
"There is a fine, cleverly designed garden set that immediately conjures up the warmth of summer, despite the December temperatures outside, and the lawn’s honeycomb shape clearly has its significance too.
"Sally Whyte’s direction doesn’t miss a trick, and she clearly has a cast to die for. Matthew Ellison is outstanding as on-the-edge Felix Humble, while Angela Whyatt is a wonderful study in seething resentment and suppressed feelings as his mother, Flora. Patricia Richardson has created a marvellous character in anxious-to-please spinster Mercy Lott – her novel way of saying grace earned a well-deserved round of applause – and Lee Tilson’s George Pye is stomach-churningly seedy. Tess Hutton gives a strong performance as his daughter, Rosie, and Noel Davenport is a most gentle Jim.
"But be warned – there is some strong language, albeit entirely in context." |
poster