In a remarkable theatrical excavation, R.C. Sherriff's long-forgotten 1950 masterpiece, 'Home at Seven', has been resurrected with breathtaking precision at Chiswick's intimate Tabard Theatre. This production isn't merely a revival—it's a full-scale rehabilitation of a work that somehow slipped through the cracks of theatrical history.
The narrative centres on David Preston, an ordinary bank clerk whose life fractures when he returns home to discover he's lost an entire day from his memory. What begins as a domestic mystery swiftly spirals into something far more sinister, weaving together elements of time distortion, potential murder, and the terrifying fragility of identity.
A Masterclass in Suspense
Sherriff, renowned for his seminal World War I drama 'Journey's End', demonstrates here a different but equally potent mastery. The play builds tension with the meticulous pacing of a thriller, yet remains grounded in the profoundly human fear of losing one's place in the world. The Tabard's production honours this delicate balance, allowing the psychological unease to simmer until it reaches a devastating boil.
A Stellar Cast Brings the Past to Life
The ensemble delivers performances of remarkable depth and authenticity. The actor portraying David navigates the character's descent from bewildered confusion to sheer terror with heartbreaking vulnerability. His wife, played with equal strength, becomes the emotional anchor of the piece, her steadfast belief in her husband providing the story's moral compass.
The supporting cast—the suspicious doctor, the sceptical police superintendent, the concerned club members—are not mere plot devices but fully realised characters who each represent a different facet of societal doubt and trust.
Atmospheric Design Enhances the Mystery
The production's design is a character in itself. The meticulous recreation of a 1950s suburban home, complete with period-accurate props and costumes, immerses the audience completely. The lighting design masterfully shifts to reflect the narrative's mood, from the warm safety of home to the cold shadows of suspicion and fear.
Under the director's sharp vision, the pacing never falters. The famous third-act twist, which reportedly had original audiences gasping, lands with the same shocking impact today, a testament to both Sherriff's writing and this production's faithful execution.
A Triumphant Rediscovery
This revival makes a compelling case for 'Home at Seven' to be reinstated in the canon of great British theatre. It's more than a period piece; it's a timeless exploration of memory, truth, and the terrifying possibility that our lives might not be what we believe them to be.
For London theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this production is unmissable. It demonstrates the Tabard Theatre's commitment to unearthing and celebrating neglected gems, delivering a night of theatre that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.
