Clybourne Park - 31st March 2012

In 2010 the Royal Court theatre continued its trend of producing new hard-hitting drama with Bruce Norris's "Clybourne Park".Following critical and public acclaim it transferred to London's Wyndham's theatre winning Best Play at the 2011 Olivier Awards, beating the much fancied "Jerusalem".

It has now just recently received its Cardif debut in the Richard Burton theatre at the Welsh College of Music and Drama. This intimate auditorium was the perfect venue for this intimate tsle of a married couple, Bev & Russ, in America in the 1950's with obligatory coloured housemaid. They are surrounded by packing cases as they are in the process of moving, a simple standard event until we realise the reason why they can no longer live there and the impact their new owners will have on the neighbourhood. The second half then moves us on 50 years in the same house with a modern day dispute about building permission.

This is a play about race and prejudice ,past present & future. The simple plot shows how much society has moved on in half a century, or have we? The best state of the nation plays makes us question what we would do in these situation but does not provide answers. The writer, rightly, makes you do the work. He always understands the power of humour to relax an unsuspecting audience whilst the characters attempt to step through the minefield they have found themselves in.

The acting is of a uniformally high standard, the American accents remained solidly impressive and you soon forgot these 21 year olds are portraying middle-aged people. For me Jessica Hayles and Carole Turner dominated the piece in their two differing roles especially at the end of the play when the tone changes, making uncomfortably (if extremely funny) watching. Mention must also go to James Peake for his comic turn as local vicar Jim, trying his best to be conciliating but clearly out of his depth.

This is writing, acting of a directing of the highest order. Sadly, this run has ended but look out for this play at other venues and visit the Welsh College of Music & Drama, to see what high quality of young talent is currently available in Cardiff.

A theatrical gem.