A lovely little production called Hope and Glory on in London at the Prince Edward in Bayswater:You would be forgiven for fearing this play was going to be a little contrived from the sound of the premise: it’s set in heaven and centres on the reunion of two lovers who have been separated for 50 years, after the man was killed in action during the Second World War.
However, it comes as a wonderful surprise that the treatment of such a simple plot is handled with depth and very believable emotion. Antonia Reid and James Rose, who play the lovers, have a fantastic chemistry, so much so it is a little awkward for the audience at times, who are made to feel as if they are intruding on a very private conversation.
The language exchange is natural and the pace even. At times the script does waiver in its credibility, but controlled and sensitive acting keeps it on course. You learn about how this couple’s life could have been. He has watched her every move from heaven for the last half century and she has spent her life trying to move on but failing. All is not lost as they have the afterlife to pursue their dreams and an overriding sense of peace comes across.
An hour is long enough to get a taste of what such an anticipated reunion would be like, but short enough to leave you wondering what happened next.
The references to heaven and God were cringeworthy, but thankfully few and far between. Hammond’s roles are largely perfunctory and don’t add much value, for this play is about two people, and two people alone, having a heartfelt reunion that anyone, anywhere can relate to.
