April 13, 2008
Presented by James Seabright, written by G.M. Calhoun and directed by Rob Mulholland, The Last South tells the story of Scott and Amundsen as they race to make the first trip to the South Pole. Based on material drawn from their two diaries, each of the two exhibition leaders was splendidly created, bit by bit, as we saw their parallel successes and failures throughout the epic journeys they undertook.
Any play is dependent on the quality of the acting and writing, in a two-hander more so. In this case the quality of both was extremely fine. G.M.Calhoun’s script charted the changes both men undertook and presented two very human leaders. Both men undergo substantial change as the story unfolds – Scott, tragically, the greater. Amundsen begins with doubt and hope, while Scott has complete self-belief and utter confidence in his team and preparations.
The fact that Amundsen and his team were underway earlier and found the more accessible route to the Pole was, ultimately, telling – it meant that their supplies lasted better and that –crucially – their sleds were pulled by dogs the whole way. Scott’s team had to surmount a glacier and were without dogs on the return; the very worst of weather and conditions contributing heavily to their fatal end when only 11 mile short of the base camp.
David Burt (Scott) and Christian Oliver (Amundsen) performed superbly to create believable and sympathetic characters; human in all aspects, be that certainty, success, failure, pride, regret or acceptance of fate. What they also created was an understanding of why people continue to test themselves against the harshest of environments to the point of death. The overriding humanity of both men in the face of an extreme test was brilliantly portrayed and thoroughly enjoyed by all who were there.
This whistle stop tour takes them next to Edinburgh and around the country until the end of May. They are back in our region for a three day engagement at Chipping Norton Theatre, and I would urge you to go to this splendid celebration of human spirit, endeavour and humility.
Any play is dependent on the quality of the acting and writing, in a two-hander more so. In this case the quality of both was extremely fine. G.M.Calhoun’s script charted the changes both men undertook and presented two very human leaders. Both men undergo substantial change as the story unfolds – Scott, tragically, the greater. Amundsen begins with doubt and hope, while Scott has complete self-belief and utter confidence in his team and preparations.
The fact that Amundsen and his team were underway earlier and found the more accessible route to the Pole was, ultimately, telling – it meant that their supplies lasted better and that –crucially – their sleds were pulled by dogs the whole way. Scott’s team had to surmount a glacier and were without dogs on the return; the very worst of weather and conditions contributing heavily to their fatal end when only 11 mile short of the base camp.
David Burt (Scott) and Christian Oliver (Amundsen) performed superbly to create believable and sympathetic characters; human in all aspects, be that certainty, success, failure, pride, regret or acceptance of fate. What they also created was an understanding of why people continue to test themselves against the harshest of environments to the point of death. The overriding humanity of both men in the face of an extreme test was brilliantly portrayed and thoroughly enjoyed by all who were there.
This whistle stop tour takes them next to Edinburgh and around the country until the end of May. They are back in our region for a three day engagement at Chipping Norton Theatre, and I would urge you to go to this splendid celebration of human spirit, endeavour and humility.