Masterclass

by Tim Connery

directed by Luke Adamson

presented by The Bridge House Theatre

It’s evening in the classroom of a small primary school and it’s time for a Masterclass… but who is teaching who?

Thanks to a minor disagreement with the tax man, ageing Shakespearean thespian and faded film star Roger Sutherland is forced to swallow his pride and start offering paid evening acting masterclasses in local primary schools and community halls. It’s a far cry from the West End, but the show must go on.

Enter stage left Gary Brock – a brash, young Australian actor with a TV past and big ambitions. Once a child star Down Under, Gary has crossed the globe to reignite his career in the land of Shakespeare, but instead finds himself face to face with Roger, whose disdain for modern acting methods is matched only by his contempt for actors who don’t know their soliloquies from their stage directions.

With clashing egos, wildly different philosophies on acting, and a few forgotten lines along the way, sparks fly and tempers flare. But beneath the posturing and put-downs, could these two actors actually have something to learn from one another?

A sharp, funny, and heartfelt exploration of art, ambition, and the fine line between performance and reality.

Press for this production

‘Connery’s script is brilliant. It is extremely funny, full of wonderful one-liners and the two characters are drawn carefully and never falls into stereotypes… The acting was superb… The production never faltered in its 75 minutes, and it was compelling throughout. This is one of the finest short pieces of drama I have seen in a long time performed to a very high standard.’ ★★★★★ North West End

‘If only all new plays were directed with as much skill!  The cast is well-nigh perfect… Just to sit and watch them together is itself a Masterclass in “how to do it”… it deserves to be revived immediately so that many others get a chance to experience it! Very, very highly recommended!’ ★★★★★ London Theatre1

‘As the play moves on, the tone changes and we get to see the men behind the theatrical bravado… The barriers between them come down and the tone changes from laugh-out-loud comedy to one that packs a real emotional punch – open, honest and heartbreaking… A touching final postscript lets us know. It’s the perfect ending to a play that really is a masterclass on how to write and deliver an exceptional piece of theatre.’ ★★★★★ Theatre and Tonic

‘Tim Connery’s two-hander is brilliantly performed by Dee and Lucas, the characters opposing personalities fantastically portrayed… as they slowly get to know each other, their relationship blossoms and their guards come down with honest, genuine conversations and wonderfully believable chemistry.

The first half of the play is very funny, with snappy, natural, dialogue and enjoyable interactions, with both Dee and Lucas timing each comedic remark perfectly. The second half takes a completely different approach, leaning into an unexpectedly emotional, poignant narrative thread that touches on a whole realm of touching themes…  credit to the writing, acting and Luke Adamson’s direction for ensuring that the importance of the themes still land, while keeping the enjoyable, engaging tone consistently apparent throughout.

A strong show that in itself is somewhat of a masterclass, that will have you laughing and dabbing away tears with equal measure.’ ★★★★ Rated Reviewed

‘Masterclass is a masterpiece of a two-hander… In a superlative performance, Alex Dee gives us a moving portrayal… while Lucas plays his pupil with a complex mixture of obnoxious derision, assertion and vulnerability… In a continuous reveal of the difficulties each of the characters have, what seems jokey and almost vicious is broken into by a penetrating understanding.

This is an evening of sharp, witty dialogue… It is difficult to find a balance between pathos and comedy, but this play has it is spot on.’ ★★★★ Plays to See

‘Writer Tim Connery adds twists and turns throughout the dialogue. Just as you think you know what could happen it takes you down another turn. Dee and Lucas have a strong rapport on stage and their storytelling feels organic and comes from the voices of experience.’ ★★★★ Theatre and Arts Reviews

‘Tim Connery’s play stands out for the quality of writing. It’s very funny but, towards the end of its 75 minute run time, also moving. It’s a good play…

Connery’s every word is worth hearing… Donald brings a mercurial gravitas to Sutherland: imposing and grand one minute but humble, anxious the next. Ultimately he’s frightened and we really feel that.  And Lucas – very brash but ultimately vulnerable – creates a convincing contrast. The coda is a lovely touch.★★★★ London Pub Theatres 

‘Touching, funny, beautifully acted by Alex Dee and Kurt Lucas it is about being an actor, becoming an actor, life upon the wicked stage and growing old… Connery has crafted as good a two hander as can be and manages to find an ending one does not see coming and director Luke Adamson has guided his players perfectly… a very good night out.’ ★★★★ Reviewsgate

‘a warmly compassionate comedy’ British Theatre Guide

NOMINATED for FIVE Fringe Theatre Awards, (Production, Director, New Play, Lead Performance and Supporting Performance) and a Standing Ovation Nomination.

Masterclass

Written by Tim Connery

Directed by Luke Adamson

Lighting Design by Luke Adamson

Presented by The Bridge House Theatre 

Alex Dee and Kurt Lucas

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