NICHOLAS Wright’s play Vincent in Brixton, successfully and with imagination, gives those who see the Garrick’s production in their Lauriston Studio, an insight into not only what might have happened, but also the great artist’s mindset.
Vincent Van Gogh, known for his sunflower painting, wild brush strokes and bright colours, did lodge in a South London house for a few months when he was young. The programme contains a photograph of a genuine Van Gogh drawing of 87 Hackford Road, to prove it.
Briefly, he suffers unrequited love for the landlady’s daughter, .but soon switches to a more enduring affection for her mother, Ursula - even sketching her nude.
Making his Garrick debut, Jamie Sloan portrays Van Gogh as lacking in social skills indicating the beginning of the depressive mental illness that led him to slice off his ear. He comes across as delightfully naïve and more interested in religion than art. It is not until the end that reference is made to his future paintings.
Kathryn Fennell gives an inspired performance as older woman Ursula and in an unforgettable monologue confesses the inner thoughts which have led to her unhappiness and black moods reflecting those of Vincent.
Rachel Horobin’s Anna, Vincent’s hyperactive, housewifely sister, receives some well deserved laughs.
Jacob Taylor and Laura Crow are well cast as lodger Sam Plowman and Eugenie, the daughter of the house.
But it is Jamie’s Vincent Van Gogh who steals most of the thunder.
* Until Saturday, April 16. For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677 or book online at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk. Star rating: * * * *
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