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plockley
Reviews
Moving On: The House (2013)
Domestic drama that soars to a higher level
I was left transfixed by the intensity of this drama, "The House", written by Arthur Ellison as part of the "Moving On" series. It began very promisingly, with every indication it was going to be very authentic in dealing with issues common to many families in these days of ageing parents, the demands of careers and the benefits of access to good schools. As it progressed, the dialogue subtly shaded in the nuances of all the characters, everyone having good and not so good motives and instincts. Then suddenly: the bombshell. From that point on, I literally moved to the edge of my seat as the rawness of the emotion intensified with each scene. The last time a drama had this effect on me was Tony Marchant's "Take me Home". All the actors were praiseworthy. In particular, Lee Ingleby was superb as his world quaked around him, and Keith Barron, as ever, gave a masterly performance revealing the real man kept hidden beneath the public face. Television was perfect medium for this play, its small scale reflecting the confines of its domestic context, and its small screen being the perfect frame for the dramatic climax between Ingleby and Barron. I highly recommend this excellent drama.