Vacant Possessions, a new work written and
directed by Ray Brown, is a gentle and ironic comedy. The two
characters in the play couldn’t be more different. Joe Sweeting
(Geoffrey Wilkinson) is an eccentric old soldier given to collecting
bric-a-brac and holding prejudiced views. Into his life comes the
young Gary Roebuck (Jamie Smelt) who is nervous whilst claiming
socialist, pacifist and indeed feminist views.
Gary’s need to buy the house which Joe
has put up for sale is the reason for the two meeting. Their
contrasting philosophies of life spark off a series of witty
conversations. Despite the clash in outlook, the two men become
friends. Joe eventually agrees to sell but he needs Gary to ditch
his principles and help him commit suicide. To reveal whether they
succeed or not would be to spoil the ending.
Entertaining, with Geoffrey Wilkinson and
Jamie Smelt convincingly bringing their characters to life.
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