Shropshire Star

The Diary of Anne Frank - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Keith Harrison reviews The Diary of Anne Frank at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre - a visually stunning re-telling of a tragic story.

Published

The Diary of Anne Frank

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Rain falls across the stage and a murky gloom draws theatre-goers in with an air of impending doom.

Every single one knows the start, beginning and abrupt end awaiting two Jewish families trapped in an Amsterdam annexe.

But Nikolai Foster's claustrophobic re-telling is a visual masterpiece.

Tellingly, the actors are never out of sight – sitting at the side of the stage as a constant reminder that they could never leave their cramped hiding place.

Ominously, a sole Nazi is also present throughout; spotlighted at the rear.

Watching . . . waiting.

Initially, the brilliant Amy Dawson's Anne Frank is, frankly, annoying.

But, as she matures, her thoughts, hopes and dreams throw heart-rending context on the petty squabbles and fractured relationships in the group as the story sweeps from hope to despair and back again.

At the denouement, Otto Frank (Christopher Timothy) stands alone on stage and recalls the fates of his family and friends.

As tattered pages fall from the rafters, he holds out Anne's diary and declares: "All that remains."

For many reasons, if you only go to see one play at the Grand this year – make it this one.

Keith Harrison

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