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Soulpepper uncovers a hidden gem in David Storey's perplexing play

By Lauren Gillett • May 19, 2012

Written by David Storey
Directed by Albert Schultz

Oliver Dennis and Michael Hanrahan. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.

David Storey's Home comes about gradually. The 1970 play, now on stage at the Young Centre, opens with a conversation between two English gentlemen, the talkative Jack (played by an always enjoyable Oliver Dennis) and the agreeable, but serious Harry (a phenomenal Michael Hanrahan). The well-mannered pair discuss everything under the sun—the weather, the war, other people's lives—anything to distract from the reality of their situation, which dawns on us ever so gently as the dialogue unfolds.

Images of cloud-filled skies shift on a large screen above Ken MacKenzie's simple terrace set. Harry and Jack meet two working-class women, the flirtatious Kathleen (a delightful Brenda Robins) and her acid-tongued friend Marjorie (the hilarious Maria Vacratsis), as well as an ex-wrestler named Alfred (Andre Sills). The characters reveal themselves through repetitive turns of phrase, clichés, silences, and small talk, but they never really connect. The result is a hilarious and heartbreaking portrayal of English society, and the unspoken anguish of the post-war generation.

Director Albert Schultz gets superb performances out of this fine ensemble, in a steady production that will catch you off-guard with its complexity. By jove! Home is well worth visiting.

Home runs until June 20 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit soulpepper.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

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