The Potsdam Quartet
Jermyn Street Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 31st October 2013
Set between 17th July and 2nd August 1945 in Cecilienhoff, Potsdam, occupied Germany, The Potsdam Quartet is a play inspired by a true story. While the four victorious allied leaders meet to decide the future of the world, a string quartet are waiting in a room killing time between performances. The men have to face up to their complicated friendship and decide whether their quartet has a future.
The piece is well acted by a small cast of five but unfortunately David Pinner's writing is very dull and predictable at times. I ended up not caring whether the string quartet would continue or not as the men were simply going round and round and round in circles. What I admire about David Pinner's play is the inclusion of the Russian Soldier (played by Ged Petkunas) who rarely speaks but is always standing by the doorway watching the action unfold (but of course he doesn't understand a word the men say). Without his stern presence the whole dynamic would be different and The Potsdam Quartet would not work.
The first act is tough, it's really one long scene, and at times I wondered if it was ever going to end. Fortunately I found the second act far more engaging, the opening scene between Ronald (played by Philip Bird) and the Russian Soldier was performed with a fascinating tenderness. The Jermyn Street is the perfect home for The Potsdam Quartet, I can't imagine it working in a larger venue as the intimacy is so important to the truth of the piece.
The Potsdam Quartet is a witty and insightful play. I think that as the run progresses and the cast continue to build their chemistry with each other it could grow into a very sincere and heartfelt piece of theatre.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
The Potsdam Quartet runs at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 23rd November 2013.
Please visit www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk for further information and tickets.
Photo Credit: Francis Loney
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