Mary Tamm Reviews Page

Offering links to reviews of Mary's recent work....

Introduction:

This page is the latest addition to Mary's website. Often I offer links to reviews and images of her recent work, but it's been decided that maybe now we could actually keep those reviews, or access to them, archived here.

However, reviews are copyrighted to the individual reviewers, so at this time I am prepared to offer link to these reviews in the same way the news page did, but not reproduce them here without permission. If there is a review on this page, then it is here because that permission has been granted to the site. If not, simply follow the links and enjoy. However, I will repost the production images that have appeared on the NEWS PAGE along side the links.

2005:

MIXED FEELINGS:

Eric Chappell Review: CLICK HERE

BBC Devon Review: CLICK HERE

STAGE STRUCK:

Theatreworld Internet Magazine: Much of the appeal of Simon Gray's comedy thriller "Stage Struck" is concentrated in the central character, Robert, outstandingly portrayed by Alan Bates at the London premiere in November 1979 and now by Paul Nicholas in this current revival directed by Mark Piper.

When the curtain rises, Robert is in a jovial mood as he converses with neighbour Herman (Robert Fitch} who confides that he's having an affair with a married woman. Robert gives some light-hearted advice and then Herman leaves and does not reappear until much later in the play.

We gather from what Robert has said that he was in his younger days a first-rate stage manager in a provincial repertory company. But now he is content to keep house for his wife Anne, a successful West End actress, to whom he's been happily married for seven years. Or so he imagined, until tonight when Anne, arriving home from the theatre, tells him she wants him out of the house.

Delivering her lines with just the right angry and purposeful conviction, Mary Tamm convincingly portrays Anne's vigorous action and composed demeanour as she tells him how she'd always been aware of his infidelity. Her outburst comes as a shock to Robert, who tries to reason with her, but then her ruthless attitude prompts him into reviving some of his old thespian talents and he shows a determined resistance in marked contrast to the genial kindness shown earlier. There is a furious argument and the curtain falls on the first act with gunshots. .

Next comes one of the best parts of the play when Robert is visited by Widdecombe (Ray Lonnen) whom Anne had recommended to consult for treatment, having herself been to him for psychiatric analysis. The interest of the audience is held by the skill with which Robert induces Widdecombe to reveal his complex character, and he finally makes it apparent that he's not a genuine psychiatrist, and not only that but, more surprisingly, that - as his accent changes - he could be anything from a private detective to a small time crook.

But in this fascinating psychological drama, with its daring twists and turns, the main interest lies not so much in the characterisation as in the situation the characters create and there is certainly no lack of visual excitement, though one wonders why nobody throws a chair at Robert when he is threatening them with a gun or a knife.

Kind thanks to Graham Powner. Reviewed by George Cranford for Theatreworld Internet Magazine.
© Graham Powner- Theatreworld Internet Magazine

All material on this website may not be copied without express permission.