BWW Reviews: THE HIRED MAN, Curve Theatre Leicester, April 13 2013

The Hired Man is based on Melvyn Bragg's 1969 novel and was adapted for the stage in a collaboration with Howard Goodall in 1984. Numerous awards followed, including the Ivor Novello for 'Best Musical' and a handful of Olivier nominations. Since 2004, there have been several other productions of The Hired Man; all of which have achieved similar resounding success. This Curve Theatre Leicester and Mercury Theatre Colchester co-production is no different and is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Bragg's book has elements of non-fiction but has been padded out using his wonderful talent of imagination and realisation. The dialogue never drags but never gives too much away; the audience are not spoonfed but asked to interpret the elements themselves. What we are shown is extremely clever writing. This, entwined with Goodall's music and lyrics, is simply mesmerising; astonishing as it is his first professional musical. Inspired by choral and folk music, there is a small group of actor/musicians who are onstage throughout delivering the rousing scores of Goodall's creation. They are equally as powerful as if there was a 40-piece orchestra.

The Curve's intimate studio venue is the perfect setting for the Cumbrian setting of the show. Juliet Shillingford's set design is basic with a series of backlit stage flats, plus several different platforms creating levels and therefore depth to the performance. Mark Dymock's lighting aided the design extraordinarily well and captured the essence of the piece brilliantly. Tom Lishman's sound design also needs to be commended. All creatives have contributed in a huge way to Daniel Buckroyd's directorial vision: his debut since becoming The Mercury Theatre's Artistic Director and what a way to start!

This show is the perfect example of a show which needs no gimmicks, no miscast celebrities and no lavish production to ensure its success - it is art, pure and simple. Heading up the production are the superb David Hunter and Julie Atherton as married couple John and Emily respectively.

More recently recognised from ITV's Superstar, Hunter lives every moment of the piece and his acting and vocal abilities are perfect throughout. He makes an incredibly charismatic lead and draws every ounce of emotion from the writing which allows the audience in turn to feel that in a big way.

Atherton gives us one of the best musical theatre performances I have witnessed in a long time. Emily carries the weight throughout and her turmoil is obvious. Act One shows her battle between her love for John and local man Jackson (Kit Orton). This struggle is crystal clear and likewise in Act Two, the longing to protect her family and the role reversal when she falls ill. Her performance is utterly breathtaking and it is difficult to look anywhere else when she is onstage. Other notable performances come from Jill Cardo as May and Mark Stobbart as Isaac.

All the components together have created a wonderful production and I would be very surprised if I saw a better piece of musical theatre this year. I sincerely hope that the production and Julie Atherton get recognised for their work as they more than deserve it.

The Hired Man is playing at the Curve Theatre, Leicester until 27^th April. Beg, borrow or steal a ticket!

Photo: Curve Theatre Leicester

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