EPSOM DOWNS, SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE
RACEGOERS are an eclectic bunch and Howard Brenton’s Epsom Downs captures their idiosyncrasies in many touching, humorous yet brutally honest ways.
I’m no fan of the expression but this really is a 360 degree look at racing with the jockeys, horses, owners, racing fans, bookies and even the turf providing perspectives of Derby Day 1977.
Yet Brenton’s work is deeper than this and the play also explores feminism, socialism, prejudice and addiction through the central racing theme.
Such wide scope requires many characters and the nine cast members all play several roles with lightening quick changes, creative entrances and an array of ages and accents, which they carried off well.
By simply covering it with turf, the Playhouse stage has been transformed into the undulating Epsom Downs ready for the Derby in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year.
The play was first performed in London’s Round House that year and 2012 is the perfect time to reflect how much has changed since them.
While some may reminisce with affection about the toys, fashions and food of 1977 many of the play’s messages about social aspirations, wealth and racial tensions with Gypsies and Travellers are highly relevant today.
That’s not to say it’s not funny.
Many of the cameos including the drunks, wealthy owners and traders who make up the rich fabric of racing life lift this play and get plenty of laughs.
And the horses and characters who played the entire Epsom Derby with the help of a fabulous costume are pure genius.
Director Gareth Machin and his technical team ensured this slick production had the energy necessary to make it a success and it galloped along at a nice pace.
Rather than one central story, Epsom Downs is a web of relationships and encounters.
Some characters are developed more fully including the romance between Gypsy girl Primrose, played by the excellent Frances McNamee, and stable lad Jocks (Ben Wigzell).
McNamee also shone as the suffragette Emily Davidson and Lorraine Stanley’s portrayal of the dreaming mother Minty and Mark Meadows, who played everything from a gambling addict to a police horse, were also memorable.
But the whole cast pulled together to make this technically challenging play work, and rather than one star there are many fine performances.
Although it takes a while to reach the excitement of the big race, when the horses finally set off, it is done with style.
The racing theme has spilled off the stage into the foyer with a sweepstake and race on the screen during the interval.
This all added to the atmosphere which made this play about the highs and lows of racing, and British life in general, such an engrossing and entertaining night out.
Jill Harding
* Epsom Downs runs until Saturday, May 26.
