Reviews: The Last March @ Southwark Playhouse

The Last March

Southwark Playhouse, December 14, 2013

            One thing I took away from last night’s production of The Last March was that Sweden and Norway are two very different places and not to be confused. In one hour, three actors playing 10+ roles between them tell the tale of Captain Scott’s failed attempt to reach the South Pole before anyone else.

            With a very simple set, consisting of a white sheet, props hanging from hooks on strings and three trunks, there is a definite sense of simplicity before the lights go down on the house. That simplicity perfectly compliments the nature of the show. A simple set, with simple costumes and versatile actors kept the focus on the story and darling comedic moments that come from a fully committed company.

            With such simplicity in the technical aspects of this show, we were able to really focus on the three fine actors before us. There was Samuel Dent as the reckless Captain Scott, Sam Gibbs as almost every single crewmember in the expedition and then Pernilla Holland as Captain’s Scott’s Norwegian rival and Anonymous Crew Member #1 and others. Dent’s voice was crisp and clear with a perfect air of supreme confidence and a touch of endearing arrogance. While the very entertaining and very versatile Gibbs juggled at least seven, possible more characters. Thanks to a variety of hats and a few pocketed props, along with a great variety in vocal character and physical mannerisms, Gibbs kept his characters all very different and separate so that we were never confused about which character was in front of us. Add Holland’s mastery of the Norwegian portions of the script and great contribution to the more snowy aspects of the play – and these three created a fantastic ensemble all working in harmony with one another.

            There are specific moments that I would like to mention, primarily my heartfelt condolences to Gibbs who endured a great deal of beatings at the hand of Dent. Captain Scott didn’t always pay particularly good attention to the extremities of his crew… Holland also gave us a wonderful rendition of an excerpt from Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in the original Norwegian, as well as a lovely bit from A-ha’s hit song, “Take On Me.” I was also very impressed with the hospitality of the production when Captain Scott offered and Holland, as Anonymous Crew Member #1, passed out biscuits to the audience to celebrate Christmas.
            It was a darling show and only an hour straight through without an interval. It goes by quickly, and I found myself laughing for a good 80% of the show, which was actually less than the rest of the audience (I’m a harsh critic). With all the snow involved, you’ll find yourself exiting the house cheerful and glad you live in England where we still have 13 degrees Celsius weather in December. It’s on until early January, so if you are in town and have an hour to spare – I recommend a trip to Southwark Playhouse for some laughter and perhaps a biscuit if you’re lucky!