Review of The Wellspring at Royal & Derngate (Royal), Northampton

The Wellspring is a truly unique theatre experience, an autobiographical journey through the life of pianist David Owen Norris and his son, playwright, Barney Norris and their relationship as father and son. It is a very personal experience for the two, but it draws the audience into their lives.

The Wellspring is beautiful and heartwarming, even, oddly, when Barney describes being beaten up and kicked in the head in Oxford. This is the pair's life experiences, the highs and the lows, perhaps as his father remarks at one point, more lows described by Barney.

Not that David’s story is bereft of low points, but he offers more joy from his life, sometimes extremely comically. Perhaps the best is his brilliant recalling of the Sydney Piano competition, partly broadcast live on the radio. It is a hugely funny story and allows David to show his immense piano skills for which he’s known, and through this piece, he peppers the show with some wonderfully performed music.

The father and son teamwork extremely well together on stage, playing off one another perfectly. They, and director Jude Christian, have clearly created the show with great care, as little nuances of reactions and understanding show throughout, often as one watches the other, little magical moments appear.

David, perhaps a surprise, is the more sprightly on stage, travelling a great deal throughout the show, busy while telling his tales. Barney is much more considered and less active, often delivering from a fixed point. It is a nice playoff of character and feels that despite being family, they are their own men.

What is a delight from this production is the home videos that are shown throughout, projected to one side of the stage. This, coupled with some clever video design from Megan Lucas, incorporating compasses designating our current place in the world in the tale, is a delightful bonus.

One criticism I would level at the production is the slightly curious decision to not lower the house lights at any point. I understand why these are on for the opening as Barney addresses the audience directly. However, leaving them fully on for the rest of the show was a distraction, and from my position in row J, left the excellent projection washed out a little. It also didn’t allow Jack Weir’s simple but excellent lighting to have quite the same impact.

For those local to the areas featured, particularly Northamptonshire, there are some lovely little references to the town that locals will pick up. It was great to hear a story recalling Woolworths for instance, and personally, the mention of Borough Hill and its radio masts. Masts which my father created replacement parts for as a toolmaker. It is lovely little moments that make this a very personal piece to the audience beyond that of David and Barney themselves.

As the show plans to tour, some of the content may not work in different areas, however, what will, is the charm and love in the show. It is simply staged, but lovingly performed and just feels a delight and a very special, different piece of theatre.

A heartwarming beautifully performed and created production.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Thursday 24th March 2022 at the Royal & Derngate (Royal), Northampton.

The Wellspring runs at Royal & Derngate until Saturday 26th March 2022.

For further details about the Royal & Derngate see their website at http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk

The Wellspring is A ROYAL & DERNGATE MADE IN NORTHAMPTON PRODUCTION

Production photos: Robert Day

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