Masterclass – Brockley Jack Theatre

In a primary school classroom an eminent but ageing actor, Roger Sutherland, is preparing to give an acting masterclass.  Unfortunately, only one potential student arrives; a rather brash young Australian Garry Brock and he has forgotten to bring the cash necessary for the class fee.  Thus, Tim Connery sets up the scenario for a hilarious and memorable clash between two schools of acting: Sutherland’s old school, “learn the words and don’t fall over the furniture” and Brock’ s method acting approach of “be who you are”.  Anyone with any involvement in theatre will recognise the reality between the worlds which are being portrayed here, but it is immediately comprehensible to a wider audience.

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. Luke Adamson’s direction was deft, using only the minimum of stage setting required focusing the action on the actors and the words. On the rear of the classroom were projected some primary school learning aids such as numbers and letters which seem to fade erratically during the play, which was a nice irony for Sutherland’s own failing memory.

The acting was superb. Alex Dee as the ageing and increasingly forgetful Sutherland is perfectly cast and fulfils the difficult role of continually appearing to forget the names of plays and actors he has worked with in “unforgettable” productions without it seeming forced. His eventual breakdown into a rather sad man trying to relive his past was very moving. Kurt Lucas as Gary provided a perfect counterpart as the larger-than-life Australian actor who, having started a promising career as a child actor and failed to move on in his homeland, had come to the UK for a new start but ended up performing in fringe pub theatres.  The irony that the play was being performed in a pub theatre was not lost.  The energy of 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.  Unfortunately, its run at the Brockley Jack Theatre and the Bridge House Theatre has now ended, but I hope further opportunities will afford more people the opportunity to see this dramatic gem.

Further information on future productions can be found at www.brockleyjack.co.uk and www.thebridgehousetheatre.co.uk

Reviewer: Paul Ackroyd

Reviewed: 24th January 2026

North West End UK Rating: