16th July 2019
The People's Theatre close their season with a crowd-pleasing Cookson adaptation.
The Gambling Man, set in South Shields, follows the fortunes of Rory Connor (Stephen Sharkey) a rent collector with ambition. A gambler, he plans to use his skills at the tables to win enough money to lift himself and his brother out of poverty. His plan to buy a derelict boat yard, however, brings him into conflict with the Pitty brothers (Steve Hewitt and Steve Strouzer) and their employer Alfred Nickle (Tony Seghal). If Rory and his brother set up in the boat yard, their own shady business will be under threat and they won't allow it. Rory's ambition and arrogance is greater than their threats and he and his brother eventually do set up their boatyard in opposition to the Pittie brothers but not without a cost. Rory gambles to win the money for the yard, and almost dies after a beating by the brothers. He "borrowed" his gambling stake from his best friend's rent account and because of the beating is unable to repay the money before it is discovered missing. His friend is jailed for the theft. The guilt of this will haunt Rory and ultimately destroys his relationship with Janie (Emma jane Richards), his childhood sweetheart.
It's a tale of harship, ambition, fate and fortune. Rory is essentially a good man but he has a flawed character. He is a man who wants to control his own destiny, but finds other people and circumstance have a hand in his fate, sometimes for the better, but ultimately or the worse and he pays dearly for his mistakes. In many ways it is a very hardy-esque tale with fate intervening to interfere with the chosen path of the characters and the weather (unremittingly stormy and brilliantly conveyed by the sound crew) mirroring the relentless difficulty and hardship and portent of what is come.
The experienced People's cast and crew do a grand job of presenting this adaptation of Catherine Cookson's work. Their affection for the local writer is clear in the portrayal of the characters and their stories. Though a tragic tale, it is saved from being overbearingly dark by the honest observation of the characters and the snatches of humour in their dealings with each other. You might not like all these characters but will feel for their situation.
You can bet fans of Cookson will love this production, while fans of the theatre will appreciate the staging and performances.
The Gambling Man will be playing until Saturday 20th July. Raise your stake and take your place at the tables with him.
Denise Sparrowhawk
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