Moon Tiger at The Lowry Review
Moon Tiger
The Lowry, Manchester
17-22 February 2014
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Last night we visited The Lowry Theatre in Salford, Manchester to see Moon Tiger.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to visit this theatre over a hundred times. But never before have I been seated in one of their boxes – until last night! And what a pleasure it was. The stage is directly in front of you with a completely clear view. Each box seats 6 and there is a cloakroom with a mirror. Very handy and makes the visit feel even more special.
Penelope Lively’s 1987 Booker Prize winning Moon Tiger is the haunting story of loss and desire. It has been adapted for stage by Simon Reade.
The play opens in a hospital room in 1987 where Claudia Hampton a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman in her seventies is dying of cancer and wants to finish her history of the world.
We are then taken through her life with flashbacks through each era with the help of a backdrop showing clearly location and year we are in. Along with photos from that time in history.
The story revolves around her daughter Camila, brother Gordon, Lisa’s father Jasper, Claudia’s mother, and her one true love Tom. Each tells their part in turn throughout the night. As the story jumps between years you do have to keep with it as they are playing different parts at different times, sometimes in quick succession and with no costume change.
Jane Asher, one of the UK’s most accomplished actresses plays Claudia. She is on stage for the duration and shows great stamina throughout. Very clearly spoken and word perfect the lady is certainly a star.
There are no set or costume changes and six chairs placed to the left of the bed where the six actors sit waiting for their queue are all the props involved.
I found the first part a bit boring I’m afraid to say and the gentleman sat next to me even fell asleep! Not a good sign. Having not read the book I thought maybe it was because I didn’t have the emotional attachment to Claudia so reserved my judgement. But during the interval I had a conversation with two ladies who were also reviewing Moon Tiger and had read the novel but they felt exactly the same as me.
The second part is slightly better but still doesn’t grab you and pull you into the story. Poor characterisation is a big part of the problem, each actor has 4 characters and none stand out. My mum who is also an avid theatre goer had the same opinion. We felt the whole show was on the drab side. And it didn’t engage me and have my attention. Which is such a shame.
I felt that the whole show lacked action, tension and emotion. I felt it doesn’t adapt well to the stage. That is why I have had to give it a very poor score.
Rating: 2.5/5
Tickets cost from £19.50 to £31.50.
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
