Burton Taylor Studio, 14-18 Sep 2010

I went to see it today and have to agree with everything Gwilly has said. A beautiful script brilliantly acted by a cast who believe in it. As mentioned - a worthy winner which deserves a wider audience - even with the same cast. Bravo.

Constable 14 Sep 2010

I fully agree with the comments made by Gwilly and Constable on this fantastic play. However I do feel that mention must be made of Simon (played by Oliver Millingham). His performance was faultless and very convincing. I have seen the performance twice and would recommend that you go and see it. Be aware that it will not be suitable for young children as there some bad language used but in the right situation. 9/10 Very well put together and performed.

Spot-On-Theatre 13 Sep 2010

Sian Owen's worthy winner of this year's Oxford Playhouse's New Writers' Competition is 'Restoration'. It is a sensitively-written, articulate journey into the various levels of consciousness of Sophie - played by Tonya Walton - whilst she puzzles out who she is and where she's going. It asks profound and pertinent questions. To generate this complex narrative seamlessly demands a wide repertoire of acting skills. Tonya does not disappoint. Hers is a very moving performance. She relates to a dragon-like boss, a confused, but likeable partner in mid-divorce; a sometimes-too-close mother and a dearly-loved childhood friend; alternately enjoying and enduring the turbulence. Hester Lott's welcome return to Oxford supplies two of these characters and very contrasting levels of emotional interaction between herself and her daughter and, later with Sophie's partner. Joe Austin's superb direction inflates these roles with humour and pathos as the story unwinds. Simon, the male in Sophie's life (or should I say 'half' in!) manages the comic timing and 'foot-in-the-mouth' gaucheness, whilst maintaining an entirely credible deep affection for Sophie. But Sophie's past won't go away and her former childhood friendship with Books - played by Daniel Greer - provides some of the most poignant moments of the play. They are pregnant with sentiment, but never sentimental; precious, but not twee. This young actor has a quietly magnetic stage presence and handles his scenes like an old pro. 'Restoration' is all about what can and cannot be restored (do starfish grow new arms or are the old ones regenerated?). The play is skilfully brought to life with the Burton Taylor crew and will hopefully be played in other theatres, too. You can still see the world premiere at the Burton Taylor the rest of this week. Book through The Oxford Playhouse Box Office.

Gwilly 13 Sep 2010

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