What a pleasure to see two such icons of British theatre on stage together in a new play at the Theatre Royal Bath. Sir Ian McKellen and Roger Allam are the only two characters – human, that is, with their unseen four legged friends in supporting roles – in Frank and Percy, taking on the title roles with such gravitas, skill and poise that it’s pure joy to see them practice their art.
And clearly these stage giants retain their pulling power, with a sold-out opening night at Bath’s grandest theatre clearly entranced by the skills on show.
The occasion was the Bath premiere of Frank and Percy by Ben Wetherill, a new production that could have been written for the two leads. It follows the story of Frank and Percy, two older gentleman who meet one day while walking their dogs on the heath and immediately strike up a friendship. What follows is an overview of what old guys chat about – the weather, shopping, their dogs – as their friendship grows and relationship develops.
And it’s in these early stages that Frank and Percy really shines. There’s a wonderful gentle charm about the exchanges between the recently widowed Frank and the academic Percy that shines like a spotlight on the hidden worlds of so many old men chatting in parks or at the bus stop. The conversations are barely rocket science but they’re allow a gradual stroll to something stronger, a real sense of caring and understanding.
Perhaps the only problem here is that the play suffers slightly from a lack of clear identity. It doesn’t seem to sure if it’s a comedy, a drama or fly on the wall style social observation. Even so, such are the skills of the actors that it doesn’t really matter as the audience is drawn in, intrigued as to where the friendship will go.
Unfortunately for me, it’s this next step aspect of the play that doesn’t really work. As Frank and Percy’s relationship progresses and old ghosts are confronted, the play becomes both predictable and a little clumsy. It’s as if the writer doesn’t know quite where to take the narrative and instead falls back on easy clichés and plot progression. This includes a couple of scenes – preparing for the gay pride march being a prime example – that while amusing, just don’t fit comfortably into the story. In fact, with the production feeling a little too long, I can’t help feel that Frank and Percy would benefit with a little pruning.
Saying that, Sir Ian and Mr Allam are the stars on show here and it’s their skills that lifts the story throughout. Their naturalistic style combined with real emotion and even occasional – and beautifully performed – physical comedy are joys to behold. And that’s what makes this production an absolute must-see. Book your tickets now!
Frank and Percy appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 25th July to Saturday 5th August. To book tickets contact the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk