Mull Theatre, Dervaig, Isle of Mull, July 2003

Mull Theatre's 'Skylight'

LIKE ALL great writing, the themes in David Hare’s play Skylight are universal and timeless. The play is set in a cramped London flat somewhere in North London, between Willesden and Kensal Rise. Kyra, a young and idealistic Maths teacher, lives an almost ascetic life devoted to teaching underprivileged children in a poor inner-London comprehensive school.  But she is content.

On a cold Winter’s night threatening snow, her peace is shattered by the unexpected arrival of 18-year-old Edward who bursts into her flat reminding her of the six years she lived with his parents, Alice and Tom.  Alice has died, and Edward is concerned about his father and hopes that Kyra will intervene.

Soon after, Tom turns up, clutching a whisky bottle.  An affluent restaurateur and very much a man of the 80s, he is still reeling from his wife’s death and obviously hopes to get back with Kyra, whom he loves.

What follows is a moving, often witty exploration of love and how impossible it is to sustain that love when faced with differing and passionately-held moral and political ideals.

Beth Marshall’s performance as Kyra is masterful, and can be truly described as luminous. Hers is the voice of pre-Tony Blair’s Britain, urgently fighting for the underdog.  John Langford as Tom is a perfect foil to Kyra’s empassioned performance.  His restrained, often moving performance – full of angry pauses and baffled expressions – strongly emphasises their clashing ideals.  He is utterly dumbfounded by her lifestyle and pathetically unable to either understand or respect her way of life.

Young David Fitzgerald, in his first professional role, provides the catalyst – a role he fills with impish charm and enthusiasm.

The play ends with a wonderful surprise provided by Edward, hinting at better things to come.

Yet again, Alasdair McCrone, the artistic director of Mull Theatre, has chosen a play that speaks both to the heart and mind.  It is this uncanny ability of his that has made Mull Theatre such a successful, professional enterprise.

His choice of play was strongly backed by Robert Paterson’s clever and sensitive production of what is one of Hare’s most personal and moving plays. The audience’s response – in the tense silences, bursts of laughter, and finally thunderous applause – fully justified their choice.

Skylight is in repertory at Mull Theatre until 3 September 2003.

© Giuliana Ashford, 2003