Eclipse
Minerva Theatre Chichester
Fri 8 May – Sat 6 Jun
Opening the Minerva 2026 season with the first of five world premieres is John Morton’s debut stage play Eclipse, which he also directs. Already well known for his sharp-witted award-winning tv work that includes W1A, Twenty Twelve and Twenty Twenty Six, Morton has loosely based this play on his own personal experience, using his exceptional ability to relate to the typical English reserve in communicating their emotions.
The play is set over a period of just 24 hours in a Devon rectory, with their terminally ill father in a separate room off stage, his son and daughter dance around unspoken truths while the tension continues to simmer below the surface. Having mundane and trivial conversations with the NHS carers, postman, milkman and their former partners, while drinking endless cups of tea and strolling around the garden, their self-control begins to boil over.
Simon Higlett has positively excelled with his meticulously designed set depicting a cluttered kitchen with a temperamental toaster! This leads on to a stunningly beautiful garden with atmospheric lighting effects to show the slowly fading daylight and then the early morning sunrise.
A seasoned cast is headed by Sarah Parish (Sarah) and Rupert Penry-Jones (Jonathan) with both of them giving a masterclass in this poignant and humorous snapshot into family life while encountering such a melancholic period in their lives. Great chemistry between the pair as they beautifully capture the depth of their pain and vulnerability, expertly encapsulating their pent-up emotions and fear of the imminent and inevitable conclusion. Fine support too from the whole cast and in particular Paul Thornley (Graham) for his authentic and entertaining portrayal.
This is a thoughtful reflection on a difficult period in family life that most people can in some way identify with and is a must see. The Minerva’s intimate space is perfect for the emotional depth of this wonderfully realistic drama and comes highly recommended.
Reviewer: Jill Lawrie
Photo: Ellie Kurttz
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