The Father - Altrincham Garrick

I CAN’T remember the last time I was so moved by a production of a play.

The Father gives us a heartbreakingly honest account of what living with dementia must be like for victims of this cruel and incurable condition as well as their families and friends struggling to care for them.

Director Charlie Tomlinson must have thought all his birthdays had come at once when the cast assembled for its first rehearsal and the end result is another Tomlinson triumph as all the actors give performances of a truly professional standard.

Nick Sample is perfect as the piece’s lead character, Andre, a study in vulnerability. Then we have Beverley Stuart Cole as Andre’s dedicated and loving daughter Anne and at the other end of the moral spectrum there’s a deeply affecting Steven Finney as Pierre, a truly hateful character with no empathy for Andre’s heart breaking, dementia driven plight.

So much so he subjects Andre to the snidest episodes of bullying and you’re sure to find yourself willing for him to be caught and reprimanded for his vile actions.

The Father comes from the pen of the French novelist and playwright Florian Zeller and translator Sir Christopher Hampton ensures none of the emotional impact of original has been lost.

While there aren’t many laughs in this frank, honest and uncompromising play it had a profound effect on me.

It’s richly deserving of bigger houses than the sparse audience it attracted on opening night, even if some members greeted the end of this powerful production with a richly deserved standing ovation.

A must see.

Until May 11. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - *****

Photo by Martin Ogden.