A Month in the Country

Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond

THIS is no small feat to bring to the stage. It's a wonderful atmospheric piece which rambles and moves in an undefined yet powerful and dark way.

Adapted from the novel by J L Carr and directed by Nobby Dimon, it started off at the Georgian Theatre Royal on a tour throughout the area which ends at Reeth Memorial Hall on December 6.

The play is essentially a sensitive and moving portrayal of a small section of rural life during the aftermath of the First World War. Tom Birkin (Mark Cronfield) spends the summer in a quiet village church. Not a lot happens, but that's the point.

It's a time of self-healing among the unchanging rhythms of the countryside. People enter into the main characters' day-to-day

life, often dealing with problems and issues of their own.

It is superbly adapted, the actors play their part brilliantly, and Ashley Tucker, who plays the dual role of love interest/vicar's wife is outstanding. Many things go towards mirroring some of the atmosphere and emotion stimulated while reading the book, not least the lighting design by Tony Wilcock and set design by Simon Pell.

It's a story about dealing with the past and the present, and at the end there is hope as the characters look forward to the future.

It is both evocative and at times disturbing, but always thought provoking.

With a mammoth 48-date tour, catch it where you can.

Amanda Adams