Grumpy old man revisited

First appeared: Evening Star, Ipswich, September 18, 2007

Visiting Mr Green, by Jeff Baron
Colchester Mercury Theatre until Saturday

IT is more than 40 years since Warren Mitchell earned his place in Britain's hearts playing a funny, bigoted, grumpy old man. Now, at 81, he's still doing it.

Alf Garnett would not have been impressed by New York Jewish Mr Green. The two characters, though, have far more in common than either would care to admit.

It is certainly Mitchell whose star turn many of the Mercury audience this week will come to see. And they will not be disappointed.

His comic timing still sparkles, while his performance is mostly as comfortable as a well-loved old pair of slippers. The part might almost have been written for him (though it wasn't) and he has played it successfully in several different productions. But there is much more to Mr Green than a star vehicle.

Jeff Baron's multi-award-winning play goes gently enough through its first half.

Young executive Ross Gardiner comes to visit Mr Green because a judge has ordered him to after he knocked him down in a traffic accident. Both of them at first resent the arrangement, but gradually a relationship develops.

As it progresses there are revelations and surprises for both of them. Both have tales to tell and lessons to learn about prejudice, persecution and family secrets of various kinds.

What begins in the familiar territory of wry, witty Jewish humour and pathos becomes grittier and ultimately very touching. Nothing is quite what it seems at first, and our sympathies – like those of both characters – are led first one way, then another.

David Sturzaker gives a measured, controlled, but highly effective performance as Gardiner. His is the subtler of two very well-written parts and he carries it off extremely well.

Go, if you will, to enjoy one of our finest and best-loved old actors. Come away with thoughts provoked by the humanity of a fine play well staged.