Spring Storm

One of Tennessee Williams' fairly unknown and early works written when he was anIowa university student in 1937 is currently playing at the Cottesloe, at the National Theatre. It is a wonder that this is its British premier as it is an enchanting and beautifully written piece of drama.

Spring Storm follows the life of Heavenly Critchfield; a young, extrovert girl who finds herself torn between two admires each with their own qualities, the handsome Dick Miles or rich and successful Arthur Shannon. The pinnacle of the play sees Heavenly choose, but with consequences even she did not foresee. The underlying themes of loneliness echo hauntingly throughout the play and between the comedic moments it is Anna Tolputt’s beautiful and poignant scene in the library which truly emphasises this as well as the reoccurring thought of ‘sitting out on the porch in a white dress waiting for a man to come along.’

The comedy however is stolen by Jacqueline King who plays Heavenly’s mother. Her floating, flower dress and her perfect hair emphasise the very difference between these two characters and it is the relationship between them which creates many comedy moments at times when the audience least expect it.

Liz White’s acting as Heavenly is incredibly moving and believable; the audience can sit with ease and watch her create the story to which they become completely absorbed in.