If it’s escapism you’re after in the festive season, this might not be the show for you: even in 1934, when the show is set, train services out of London Paddington were subject to delays and cancellations, forcing the three main characters to seek alternative routes. Further, letters are delivered by hand – it’s not made clear why, but it appears that back then, as now, the service provided by Royal Mail was sporadic. With an 8:00am deadline to meet, for reasons explained in the narrative, their overnight trip simply must be completed by then – this, then, is a journey about a journey.
To the best of their knowledge, the trio have never met before, though it later transpires they are connected in ways neither they nor yours truly sat in the audience would have envisaged. The three actors play substantially more roles than their named characters between them – including train crew and, once they reach Cornwall, members of the local community. In the opening scenes the audience is introduced to the main characters and their significant others, all of which requires some impressively swift costume changes, as well as distinctions between minor characters by way of accents and mannerisms, amongst other things. If I had to pick a favourite, the clipped tones of what sounded to me like a Pathé News reader was more indicative of the interwar period than any of the other voices.
Events conspire in such a way that the trio cannot reach their destination on time without working together. But as they do not yet trust one another, some precautions are taken to ‘ensure’ (inverted commas mine) none of them gain an unfair advantage over the others. The set is inventive – there’s much pushing and pulling, but to good effect, and the setting changes frequently as the characters’ journey metaphorically and literally progresses.
There is, perhaps, a little too much in the way of exposition: some things are over-described. If you’ve ever seen the television series Who Do You Think You Are?, in which a narrator reiterates what has very obviously just happened, this production has similar vibes. The upside is that proceedings are very, very easy to follow, and the frequent direct addresses to the audience help to maintain interest. The show’s conclusion is a bit too tidy, a borderline fairytale ending which didn’t feel completely earned, given the trouble and strife sustained by the characters, and indeed the person who becomes their benefactor.
Although set in December, the play is not strictly speaking a Christmas show – neither trees nor tinsel are in sight – though it has a heartwarming feel that makes it a worthy alternative to the many pantomimes out there. A thoughtful and wholesome winter warmer.
Review by Chris Omaweng
On a cold December night, three strangers gather on the platform of Paddington Station to take the sleeper train to Cornwall. They have no idea that they are about to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.
Following receipt of a cryptic letter, the three passengers must make their way to Montague Manor, in time for the reading of a will belonging to a man they never knew. Only those present at 8:00am will receive a bequest.
There is a catch – they can neither tell nor trust anyone…
CAST
Dr Gordon Henderson – Adam Elliott
Mr James McDonald – Tice Oakfield
Lady Penelope Cunningham – Julia Pagett
CREATIVE
Written by Luke Adamson
Directed by Kate Bannister
Set Design: Karl Swinyard
Lighting Design: Laurel Marks
Sound Design: Matt Karmios and El Theodorou
Costume Design: Martin J Robinson
Stage Manager: Charlie Heptinstall
MONTAGUE’S MILLIONS
Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 2DH
10 December 2024 to 4 January 2025
