Wonderful cast present an awe-inspiring production of ‘The Remains of the Day’

REVIEW

The Remains of the Day, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, Tuesday, March 26

This is a truly magical and awe-inspiring production acted out majestically by a wonderful cast of eight actors and actresses.

The action switches from one generation to another seamlessly and effortlessly with amazing and simplistic scenery adding to an outstanding performance on opening night in front of a full house.

Stephen Boxer, as Stevens, and Niamh Cusack, as Kenton, are cast superbly and head a star-studded cast and the teasing thread of the possible romantic connection between the two comes to a surprising conclusion.

But there are so many differing lines throughout the play which is set before the outbreak of the Second World War and the end of the conflict and includes some subtle comic moments.

Miles Richardson, as the appeaser Darlington who doubles up as the West Country doctor Carlisle, and Stephen Critchlow as Morgan and Sir David, are wonderful, and have amazing support from Pip Donaghy as Stevens’ father, Edward Franklin as Reginald, Sadie Shimmin as Mrs Taylor and Madame Dupont, and Patrick Toomey as Lewis.

It’s 1930s England. Darlington Hall runs like clockwork under one of the last truly great butlers.

Reserved and dutiful like his father before him and with the funny and forthright housekeeper Kenton by his side, Stevens faithfully serves his employer.

Meanwhile, England stands on a precipice, as fascism builds and boils in Europe.

Twenty years later, Stevens travels to find an old friend, namely Kenton, and remembers choices made and not made, journeying to one last chance at happiness.

The play has seven performances Tuesday to Saturday, March 26 to 30.

Russell Cook