Edward Alderton Theatre Home | News | This Season | Next Season | Bookings | Auditions | Members | Archive | History | Location | Links | Contact Us   A Voyage Round My Father by John Mortimer Directed by Mike Higginson 9-16 March 1985 (7 performances) This autobiographical play is the portrait of a son's relationship with his father. Growing up in the shadow of the brilliant barrister, who adored his garden and hated visitors, and whose blindness was never mentioned, the son continually yearns for his father's love and respect...  Cast Son Paul Jennings Father David Hampton Mother Eleanor Withstandley Iris Andrea Hampton Ringer Lean/George Tony Donnelly Headmaster/Director Steve Marshall Ham/Sparks Kevin Fraser Japhet Bob Phillips Reigate Ross Holland Miss Cox Pam Leadley Miss Baker/Social Worker Jane Darling Boustead/Doctor Brian Withstandley Thong Andy Blackburn Judge Derek Goulding Doris/Witness Maureen Hardwen 1st ATS Girl/1st Girl Carol La Roche 2nd ATS Girl/2nd Girl Lianne Glanville Elizabeth Lesley Wright Mr Morrow Martin Heard Crew Stage Manager Sue Higginson Assistant Stage Managers Janet Henderson, Deborah Howard, Yvonne Humphries Set Design Mike Higginson Costumes Pam Leadley, Freda Phillips, Sue Frost Lighting  Tim Hewitt Sound Bernard Tilley     Reviews Father and son This week sees the Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath, bravely attempt John Mortimer's challenging comic drama, A Voyage Round My Father, under the thorough direction of Mike Higginson. The play, a riveting tale of meandering middle-class reminiscences, involving a rapid succession of short scenes which demands a high degree of coordination between the cast and backstage crew in order to maintain fluency. David Hampton and Paul Jennings, as father and son, are burdened with the lion's share of the dialogue and deserve much credit for almost faultless recollection. Paul's sensitive portrayal of the pensive offspring is a delight, and his relaxed    narratives smoothly link the successive flashback sequences. The furrowed brow and fixed gaze which David maintains throughout his performance as the blind father never fail to convince, and his commendable timing during witty anecdotes sets the audience at ease. Ross Holland vividly enthuses as school-chum Reigate, whilst Steve Marshall accurately mimics the humorous cynicism of a world-weary public school headmaster. Of the smaller parts, Andy Blackburn excels as a seedy private investigator and Martin Heard raises the odd giggle as the equally seedy, if not positively repulsive, Mr Morrow. Efficient stage management coupled with neatly worked lighting and sound effects help to create some intriguing moods on a tight set. R L Kentish Times | 14 March 1985   Classic voyage is success at theatre A classic piece of contemporary theatre came to Bexleyheath last week when A Voyage Round My Father attracted big audiences to the Edward Alderton Theatre. Written by top playwright John Mortimer - he wrote Rumpole of the Bailey - it told the story of a blind, successful barrister who refuses to acknowledge his disability. Dave Hampton and Eleanor Withstandley took the leading roles in the much-acclaimed production. Unknown newspaper | March 1985