4 STARS, October 4-7. "A thoroughly engrossing, beautifully acted production that carries real conviction and political punch," says Amanda Hodges
Geraint Lewis
THE BEST MAN
Two party candidates chasing the Presidential nomination lie at the heart of Gore Vidal’s witty and incisive political drama, here superbly revived under the direction of Simon Evans. Set in Philadelphia on the eve of the 1960 Democratic Convention the story revolves around the two men lobbying for their party’s vote: former Secretary of State William Russell, an intelligent, deeply moral if flawed individual and Joseph Cantwell (aptly named) who is a self-made, unscrupulous character, intent on winning power at any price.
Although Vidal’s probing play was written fifty-seven years ago (and won Tony awards on its Broadway outing of 1960) many elements of it still retain significant resonance today. Yes, the process of choosing Presidential nominees has significantly changed since the early Seventies so that the last minute drama witnessed here has become unfeasible and the issues of a woman’s place and birth control are less contentious today but sadly its political cut and thrust remains perennially pertinent.
One candidate employs dirty tricks in order to achieve his goal, there’s a strong emphasis on achieving outward respectability (at the expense of genuine integrity) and the wily machinations that result are as topical today as when first written. There’s even a reference to choosing a President capable of reflection rather than hair-trigger reactions, something that of course now carries particular resonance in today’s political climate.
As director Evans has the great benefit of a truly superb cast from whom he elicits excellent performances all round. Jack Shepherd is a frenetic and utterly compelling ex-President Hockstader whose endorsement could be pivotal for either candidate’s hopes. A sceptical man who vibrantly conjures an age when, in order to gain credence, his speeches had to “pour God all over it, like ketchup” he’s a first-rate foil for the two men fighting for political ascendancy.
Geraint Lewis
THE BEST MAN
Martin Shaw is outstanding as a man for whom moral compromise and expediency are intolerable, his angst as witnessing the disintegration of his campaign both credible and poignant. Jeff Fahey is also very strong as his opponent, the wily and sanctimonious Cantwell who is staunchly sure of his political superiority. In support Glynis Barber gains impact as the play progresses as Russell’s loyal wife and Honeysuckle Weeks is also impressive as Cantwell’s more superficial spouse, Southern belle Mabel who enjoys nothing more than playing to the press.
Michael Taylor’s elegant set atmospherically recreates the feel of the Democratic Convention. One set serves a dual purpose as it represents each candidate’s hotel suite, just the colours changing between scenes to reflect first a gracious environment then gaining a brasher flavour as Cantwell takes centre stage. It’s a thoroughly engrossing, beautifully acted production that carries real conviction and political punch.
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