Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me
Written by Frank McGuinness
Directed by Michael Bate
13 – 18 March 2000
Left to Right: Tony Bate, David Maun and John Summers
An American doctor and an Irish journalist are being held captive by terrorists in Beirut. They exercise and they argue, supportive in their mutual determination to survive. They are joined by an English academic. The three display their national biases and prejudices, which are intensified in the cramped confines of their cell. As time passes, resentments and recriminations give way to an acknowledgment of their characters, strengths and weaknesses. They learn that humour is their surest weapon against their captors and the safest armour with which to protect themselves. They shoot imaginary films, they throw a big party for each other, they play a fantastical game of tennis, they laugh at and with each other, and they learn to lament what was lost in their lives before captivity. Each comes to know himself through listening to the stories, sorrows and joys of the others. At the end of the play, they are capable of standing together and alone.
Cast
Adam – David Maun
Edward – Tony Bate
Michael – John Summers
Crew
Stage Manager – Peter Snee
Assistant Stage Manager – Elsie Bate
Set built by – Dave Birmingham and the Chain Gang
Properties – Jenny Brooks
Lights designed by – Simon Dinsmore
Lighting – Mark Woodham
Sound – Neil Langley