By Abbie Maguire
More than 50 years since its stage debut, Harold Pinter’s compelling play, The Caretaker, depicting loneliness and power games returns for another tour by the London Classic Theatre.
Telling the story of Davies, an elderly drifter, who is given shelter by the kindly but vulnerable Aston. He quickly makes himself at home in the squalid, junk-filled attic, but an uneasy peace is fractured by the arrival of Mick, Aston’s quick-witted, streetwise younger brother.
“It’s a power play to do with how three characters manipulate each other to get what they want,” says Nicholas Gasson who plays Davies.
Indeed, being written by a one time Nobel Prize winner for Literature you would expect nothing less, and the London Classic Theatre, now in its tenth year, took on the challenge with gusto.
“The company’s mission statement, if you will is to bring classic theatre and take it to people who wouldn’t know of it,” says the 53-year-old actor.
“I enjoy the power play because sometimes I’m being bullied and manipulated and then I have the upper hand. I love working with free characters.”
And as the play roles into Essex later this month, Nicholas can’t wait to get back on the stage.
“This play has definitely been my career highlight. Because the writing was good it was easy to act to, providing you learn the lines,” he laughs.
The Caretaker will be at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford on 28 and 29 September, for tickets call: 01245 606505.
The Enquirer has a pair of tickets to give away to see the play on Tuesday 28 September. To win email your details to admin@theenquirer.co.uk by 19 September, or post it to the usual Enquirer address (P2).