Independent Means - Manchester Library Theatre

Independent Means by Stanley Houghton

Director: Chris Honer

Reviewer: John Garfield-Roberts

For the centeneray of Annie Hornimans movement that established the UK's first repertory company in Manchester, Director Chris Honer wanted to find a play that came from the 'Manchester School' of playwrights as a fitting tribute, several days within the British Library archives Honer found a little known play 'Independant Means' by Stanley Houghton.

First performed for 6 days at the Gaiety Theatre on Peter Street in August 1909, according to sources this is the first revival of the play since the first showing in 1909. Set in the fictious town of Salchester we delve right into the heart of the Forsythe family and what happens when the female protagonist Sidney marries Edgar, an unemployable conservative carbon copy of his father John. Sidney is a strong feisty feminist and it is her actions with the suffregettes and John's copious gambling in the stock market that provide the conflict in this production.

Houghtons writing still stands strong 100 years on, and his copious swipes at politicians and government still have just as much impact, what with the current financial situation that is sweeping across the global market. Honer's direction of this production shows why the Library Theatre is still one of the best Rep companies in the country, it is a slick and pacey production that packs plenty of laughs and at times heart stopping tension. Sarah Williamson's set is lavish and serves the purpose well, but it has its problems especially when changing from the Forsythe drawing room to Ritchie's Garage, one couldnt help thinking that there must have been the ability to be more creative in achieving this result, rather than the cumbersome two minute scene change we were afflicted to, but that is a minor niggle in what is a rather splenid production.

Ruth Gibson's portrayal as Sidney is worthy of much praise, packing bite with every line, but as with most shows of the time the most memorable of the characters are often the supporting roles and this is no exception, Sarah Parks underdog maid Jane is sublime, her comic timing is immaculate and for this reviewer the stand out in a strong cast, other noteable performances were given by Olwen May and Richard Albrecht.

Do not let the fact that you may never have heard of this production stop you from buying a ticket, this is one of the strongest regional productions that I have seen in recent times, and I for one am glad that I saw it...one can only thank the person that made this happen and one of the reasons we go to the theatre now, Anne Horniman.

Photographs: Gerry Murray