The latest production from The
People’s Theatre in Newcastle for their Autumn / Winter Season is The Diary of
Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett.
The story of Anne Frank is very
well known, but it is productions like this that really bring home what so many
people went through, which should never be forgotten, even though the most horrific
elements of this period are not covered in detail in the production.
Otto Frank, Pete McAndrew, took
his family into hiding into a secret annexe in Amsterdam. His wife, Mrs Frank,
Rachel Kilburn and his two daughters, Margot, Honor Macphearson and Anne, Abigail
Martin were joined by the Van Daan family, who helped Otto when his family moved
to Amsterdam, Mrs Van Daan, Ellie North, Mr Van Daan, Jon Carlile and their son
Peter Van Daan, James Hardy. They are helped with news and limited food by two
of his employees, Miep Gies, Nicky White and Mr Kraler, Gordon Mounsey. Later
they are joined by dentist Mr Dussel, Stuart Douglas. The play focuses on the relationships of the
eight crammed into the small space for 761 days. One of the main elements which
plays out is the poor relationship Anne has with her mother.
The cast are outstanding throughout,
especially as they are all on stage for the entire performance adding to the atmosphere
by creating business in each of the rooms. As we move through the 761 days it
is of course Anne who undergoes the most changes as she grows from the naive 13
year old. Abigail Martin captures this development with perfection.
The set cleverly designed by Tim
Swinton uses the full width of the stage and shows the 4 rooms in the attic space
giving the impression of the cramped conditions they all lived in. His lighting
and soundscape create just the right atmosphere for this powerful production.
I am sure Anne Frank would be
proud to know that her story is still being heard today.
The Diary of Anne Frank runs
until Saturday 2nd November.
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