Barnes' People ★★★★ Original Theatre Company and Perfectly Normal Productions (online) | Feb 18 - Jul 31, 2021


Barnes' People comprises four monologues written by Peter Barnes for BBC Radio 3 during the 1980s and they have varied success here in filmed performances. Matthew Kelly, in "Losing Myself", has the difficult task of realistically creating an ageing Harley Street doctor conversing with his deceased friend; his lines seem more suited to the printed page than being spoken. Additionally, it seems rushed with complex issues trivialised. Jemma Redgrave is totally believable as Rosa, a doctor beating her head against the brick wall of bureaucracy. She feels she has lost her anger and thinks her individuality has dissipated over the years. There is a welcome lack of sentimentality as she tries to cope with her own problems and those of elderly patients as she ponders 'Is there life before death?' In "Billy and Me" Jon Culshaw plays a ventriloquist who converses with his family of dummies. Here we are considering the nature of schizophrenia as the ventriloquist feels nobody would invite him to a dinner party as they only want to meet the dummy. "A True Born Englishman" has Adrian Scarborough as a Buckingham Palace footman spilling (some of) the beans. Given a superb performance by Scarborough, this is much the most successful, and funniest, of the monologues. It also suits Philip Franks' intimate style of direction perfectly. Peter Barnes' writing is very much of its time and, whilst many of the issues written about remain relevant today, they have probably been dealt with more succinctly elsewhere; nevertheless, the performances certainly make Barnes' People a fascinating night of theatre.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by D.S.J.
Photo by Michael Wharley.

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

When, Where, Getting there:

Most Popular

Supersonic Man ★★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Apr 9 - May 3, 2025

José María Velasco: A View of Mexico ★★★★ The National Gallery | Mar 29 - Aug 17, 2025

Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical ★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Apr 4 - May 17, 2025

Cartier ★★★★ Victoria & Albert Museum | Apr 12 - Nov 16, 2025

The Inseparables ★★★ Finborough Theatre | Apr 15 - May 10, 2025

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

The Carracci Cartoons: Myths in the Making ★★★ The National Gallery | Apr 10 - Jul 6, 2025 (Free Entry)

Manhunt ★★★ Royal Court Theatre | Mar 28 - May 3, 2025

Heisenberg ★★★★ Arcola Theatre | Apr 9 - May 10, 2025

Speed ★★★★ Bush Theatre | Apr 4 - May 17, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings