A powerful stage play wins praise

Oct 8 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

THE story of Anne Frank is one of the most poignant, sad and inspirational legacies of all time.

And from September 24 to 26 Anne and her attic companions were brought to life again by the superbly talented Livingston Players.

The powerful production, at Howden Park Centre, Livingston, gave an intimate incite into the life experienced by Anne, her sister and parents, and four other Jews in the tiny Amsterdam attic to which they escaped from the cruel persecution of the Nazis, and in which they were incarcerated for two years, from 1942 to 1944.

Anne's precious and famous diary, in which she made daily entries, described the characters and their claustrophobic life.

The opening scene draws us into the most amazing set (created by Scene Engineering Glasgow) which although small, is twice the size of the original attic space.

Haunting music and low lighting surround the sobbing figure of Otto Frank, who has returned to the attic after the war as the only survivor. Six of the other figures enter the stage and we go back in time as the story begins.

The attic is divided into four tiny rooms and a toilet. Anne and her sister, Margot, share one, Mr and Mrs van Daan share another, their son, Peter, has a room the size of a cupboard which he shares with his beloved cat, and for Anne's parents the living room doubles up as a bedroom.

Two loyal and incredibly brave friends, Mr Kraler and Meip Geis, make daily visits, bringing food and whatever other little extras they can manage to provide.

Just as the attic residents are starting to adjust to their cramped life, Meip and Mr Kraler implore them to take in one more.

A dentist, Mr Dussel, like them is in danger and in need of sanctuary. Otto on behalf of the more reluctant others, welcomes him.

Conditions are often unbearable and tempers run high at times. Mrs van Daan is silly and materialistic, Mr van Daan is caught stealing food, after blaming the rats, driven by hunger. Mr Dussel never stops moaning. Margot is obedient, kind and obliging, never complaining. Otto Frank is respected and wise and holds the others together. He is adored by Anne, who does not get on with her mother whom she claims doesn't understand her.

Peter keeps himself to himself until Anne gradually wins him over and they spend many an enjoyable hour talking. Most of the time the group do not all get on, but unanimously decide to pull together for the important Jewish festival of Hanukah, where thoughtful Anne has made everyone presents. Anne herself is feisty and full of life and chatter.

For two years they endure their sardine-like existence until the fateful day when the Nazis discover them and remove them to concentration camps. All but Otto die.

The casting of this production was absolutely spot on, in particular Samantha Orr who played Anne. What a find for the Players was this young actress.

Jamie Melrose as Anne's gentle, older sister was excellent, portraying brilliantly the contrast between the two girls.

Alistair Thomas and Lynne Hurst filled the roles of Anne's parents with polish and great credibility, whilst Roger Munday was very convincing and watchable as the grumpy Mr van Daan.

Of course Judith Hutchinson had her usual infectious stage presence as she tackled the role of the rather silly Mrs van Daan with absolute finesse.

Fraser Jamieson really brought the role of Peter to life and his intimate moments with Anne were beautifully executed. I do wonder whether Ross Bain is actually intolerant and bad-tempered as he was so convincing as the inflexible dentist, Mr Dussel. I'm sure he's not, but it's a testament to his portrayal of the character.

Credit has also to go to the smaller roles of Meip (Georgina Milligan) and Mr Kraler (Bob Whytock).

Unlike the others they were not on stage for the entire play, but were excellent whenever they did make a brief appearance and their characters were an important and integral part of the story.

Director John Hutchinson has one of his greatest successes with this play which was completely spell-binding from beginning to end.

The 'Anne Frank Trust - Scotland' provided an excellent exhibition of photos and historical writing in the foyer which added another dimension to the evening and was well worth a browse.

The Livingston Players will be performing their 'January Playfest' at Howden Park Centre from Thursday, January 28 to Saturday, January 30, 2010. For tickets call the box office on 01506 777666.