THE NIGHT WATCH

A review by Chloe Spacey

Based on the novel by Sarah Waters and adapted for the stage by Hattie Naylor, The Night Watch is a brilliant, intricate play exploring the interconnecting lives of those during and after the Second World War. Or should I say after and during?

Indicated very early in Act One by one of the characters stating how she goes to the cinema “[to] watch part two before part one as people’s pasts are so much more exciting”, I can probably safely say this is the first play I’ve seen that was ‘back-to-front’.

Act One produced the perfect amount of breadcrumbs to really leave you wondering would it all pan out? What were they talking about? What happened to her? Creating as much intrigue as a drama boxset whilst on stage.

Talking of staging the production managed to constantly evolve the set with really very little but by creating pockets of acting performances allowed for seamless transitions whilst also using a pinch of imagination to convert a table to a rooftop entrance. Top work and all credit due for the crew involved for that.

A special mention for the part of Mrs. Leonard also referred to as a Christian scientist. She delivered a series of powerful and uplifting speeches which wouldn’t be out of place if you saw anyone today giving their friend a pep-talk after a heartbreak/traumatic experience.

Act Two sought to answer all those questions and ideas about what might happen that were buzzing around the bar during the interval. It also still managed to create some ideas and provoke thought that weren’t quite drawn to a conclusion like those created in Act One. Most importantly however it featured the powerful theatre moment of two/three of the main characters and explored their complicated relationship triangle as lesbian women in the 1940s.

Overall, The Night Watch was a thoroughly enjoyable play that was excellently delivered. It had intrigue, drama, emotion and in parts London humour which wouldn’t be unusual if you overheard it in a pub as “banter” among mates. North/South river divide anyone?

There are plays that stay with you forever – I still remember one from my high school days in particular – and The Night Watch is one I won’t forget in a hurry. The Original Theatre Company and York Theatre Royal have done a sensational job and can’t wait to keep my eye out for more by them.