Autumn Review

October 18, 2024

Autumn Review

16th October – 2nd November 2024

In Harry McDonald’s adaptation of Ali Smith’s novel Autumn, political turmoil gushes like a tempest through an archipelago of very emotive plot lines.

It’s 2016. 32-year-old Elisabeth Demand (Rebecca Banatvala), a history of art lecturer, returns to her mother’s (Sophie Ward) house in the wake of the Brexit decision. The protagonist leads the audience through her personal history and her unlikely friendship with elderly Daniel Gluck (Gary Lilburn), her childhood neighbour. As their friendship grows, so too does Elisabeth’s thirst for knowledge, spurred on by Daniel’s curious mind and personality.

“Bursting with political discussion, romance, and unlikely friendships, the production is a compelling and endearing watch”

Bursting with political discussion, romance, and unlikely friendships, the production is a compelling and endearing watch. It is refreshing to see a show that shines a light on the human experience, drawing on both the beauty and devastation of it.

The casting is perfect. Both Banatvala and Ward have a delightful stage presence and chemistry that makes their mother-daughter relationship feel authentic. Equally, Lilburn is charming and witty throughout.

Nancy Crane, tackling multiple roles from cantankerous post officer to Elisabeth’s mother’s love interest, is a particular standout. Crane’s wide-ranging talent is evident in the emotional spectrum that her characters’ demand of her. She is a pleasure to watch.

Director, Charlotte Vickers is a triumph in her translation of this complex story line to the stage. Having read the book recently, I am overjoyed to see the story being treated with care that it deserves. I would say, if you are going into the production having not read Smith’s novel beforehand, it could be a tough watch due to the rather heavy dialogue and time jumping.

The use of clever staging perfectly complimented the pace of the story – not overpowering the important dialogue that runs throughout. The production is one that I hope will be seen and enjoyed by many people in the future.