Quartermaine's Terms Starring Rowan Atkinson

Quartermaine's Terms Review by Benjamin James, Images by Nobby Clark

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

The Return of Rowan Atkinson

Rowan Atkinson's return to the stage in Quartermaine's Terms after nearly 25 years away from theatre is nothing short of "terrific", as his character St. John Quartermaine would say. For any actor the stage is the first love, no two performances are alike and hearing, feeling and seeing the reactions of the audience is a joy for the actors as well. It is wonderful to watch as great a talent as Atkinson up close. As the curtain rose some people in the audience could be heard whispering "there he is" almost disbelieving that the star of Mr. Bean and Blackadder was before them. Atkinson's performance is simply brilliant and every subtle movement or gesture conveys a reflection of the character he portrays never once straying and making the audience warm to the kindly and patient St. John Quartermaine. Atkinson's genius is that even when the story is elsewhere on the set he will continue to subtly act and convey the thoughts and confusion of his character through the slightest movement of a finger or eyebrow.

The Play

Atkinson takes the lead in Quartermaine's Terms but is supported by an excellent and experienced cast who are directed by Richard Eyre. The play written by Simon Gray takes place in a language school in Cambridge in the 1960's. Atkinson’s character is the kindly ear to all the trials and tribulations of his self absorbed colleagues. However is slightly detached from the world and saddened by his loneliness and the leather chair in the staff room is his refuge from everything, including his students. Quartermaine’s Terms is a story of how people put on a front for themselves and each other and how our roles in life can change and that people are not who we think they are, even our friends. Most importantly it is a play of great comedy with every actor of a superb cast delivering entertainment from beginning to end.

Rowan Atkinson in Quartermaine's Terms

Atkinson's brilliant performance starting with awkward comments about his young female colleague’s hair and indelicate handling of another’s marriage problems holds it together. They are endeared to him and frustrated by him in equal measure. As the years go by he becomes more vacant and slow, and he brings the house down several times, but he is one character listening to his colleagues, if not seeing below the surface of the lives they present.

Rowan Atkinson, Felicity Montagu, Will Keen and Conleth Hill in Quartermaine's Terms.

Supporting Cast in Quartermaine's Terms

As for the rest of the cast, Matthew Cottle's turn as a frustrated but egotistical writer convinced he is a genius is hysterical. Conleth Hill provides a brash, charming, turn as a harangued husband with a difficult daughter, his efforts at mid life crisis seduction are particularly funny. Will Keen's neurotic, accident prone northerner is the set upon newcomer simply destined for an oppressed life of entertaining misfortune, while Felicity Montagu's turn as the sexually frustrated spinster daughter of an ungrateful mother unleashes a lot of laughs. Louise Ford provides the beauty and charm of the young English Rose determined to put on the perfect front to the world. Last but not least Malcolm Sinclair bestrides the stage as the School's in the closet gay joint principle delivering old school smug humour at the expense of his colleagues.

Conleth Hill in Quartermaine's Terms.

Matthew Cottle and Will Keen in Quartermaine's Terms.

Quartermaine's Terms a Must-See Play

Quartermaine's Terms is an excellent production with laughs, meaning and some darker sadder moments.