That moment of dusk, when day becomes night, can cause human emotions to run riot creating a whirlwind that can completely unravel. This is the case with Kevin Elyot’s final play written shortly before his death in 2014 and which has had to wait until now to get its premiere. A very evocative 75 minutes of theatre which features five actors who are so immersed in their roles that the message of this play is sensationally delivered. Twilight Song proves how powerful our past can be in the present.
A very special mention has to be made for Adam Garcia who plays Skinner and a second role of the gardener. His predatory body language and his masculine presence on stage are very powerful. He shines with his fellow actors. In Twilight Song, Elyot also showed he could write very funny comedy moments including a gag about playwright John Osborne whose ‘kitchen sink drama’ Look Back In Anger was becoming very popular in the early 60s period the play is set.
Twilight Song also allows Bryony Hannah who plays Isabella to excel in a role that is so perfect for her. She brings a tenderness to her part that beautifully examines the harshness of regret and unfulfilled dreams. The use of music in the play from Chopin to Elvis adds a very important dimension to the pace of the play and increases the melodrama with astonishing effect. Like a jigsaw puzzle the last ten minutes bring all the pieces together. Mr Elyot’s uniqueness as a playwright has never been in question and his ability to create a sophisticated situation was superb. I can only sing Twilight Song’s praises in this impressive performance.
****
Twilight Song runs until the 12th August at the Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP. Box office 020 7870 6876 parktheatre.co.uk
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