Autumn, Park Theatre (Park90) Review

Rebecca Banatvala in Autumn. Photo by Harry Elletson

Reviewed by Eleanor for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Autumn is adapted for the stage by Harry McDonald from Ali Smith's Booker Prize-shortlisted novel. Set in 2016, post-Brexit, it follows Elisabeth (Rebecca Banatvala) and Daniel (Gary Lilburn), who meet when she and her mother move in next door. They form an unlikely friendship, and years later, she visits him weekly in his care home, reflecting on their relationship and navigating a shifting social landscape. While the core story is enjoyable, the narrative could benefit from tightening.

The play opens with a flashback to when Elisabeth was a child, establishing her bond with Daniel. The story alternates between past and present, showing their growing connection through games, stories, and discussions about art, literature, and poetry. These moments contrast well with Elisabeth’s current life, as she moves back home with her mother (Sophie Ward) and is confronted with how much has changed.

In addition to these shifts between the past and the present, there is a dream sequence to show Daniel’s experiences as he sleeps in the care home. For me, this felt like a slight diversion which could have added more to the plot and told us more about Daniel’s youth. There is also a scene which focuses on the life of an artist which was studied by Elisabeth and loved by Daniel. Similarly, this didn't deepen our understanding of the characters and made the ending of the play feel prolonged.

Some of the strongest moments were scenes where Elisabeth grapples with modern bureaucracy, particularly in the care home and the post office, where she tries to renew her passport. The post-referendum tension was also well-handled, with discussions still resonating today and sparking audience reaction. A reference to an MP’s death was bluntly delivered, and Ward’s monologue about the meanness, lies, and violence in the news was especially impactful. More moments like this, showcasing the growing animosity would have strengthened the play.

Lilburn’s portrayal of Daniel was charismatic and charming, conveying the richness of his past life, and his discussion with Elisabeth about descriptive words was a highlight. Banatvala shifted effortlessly between Elisabeth’s younger and older selves, though more direct interaction with Daniel during his sleep might have further deepened their bond. Her dynamic with Ward was also brilliantly done, capturing a classic mother-daughter relationship. Nancy Crane rounded out the cast. She made each of her varied roles distinct, with her post office worker being particularly memorable.

Overall, Autumn is a compelling story but removing the artist scenes and reworking the dream sequence would strengthen the characters' connection and allow more space for a deeper exploration of modern themes and their impact on the story.

Autumn is playing at Park Theatre from the 16th October 2024 – 2nd November 2024. 

☆ ☆ ☆