The Assembled Parties****

pic: Helen Murray

It may seem that nothing much is happening, certainly in the first half of THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES**** at Hampstead Theatre, London (until 22 November), but the themes are subtly put forward and gradually the different parts come together in the second half of the play.

It’s 1980 and the Bascov family are gathered together to celebrate Christmas, even though they are (non-observant) Jewish. Julie (Jennifer Westveldt) who lives in the very large and luxurious apartment in Upper West Side,  New York with her husband, Ben (Daniel Abelson) is being the perfect hostess. She serves food to her sister-in-law, Faye (Tracy-Ann Oberman)and family – husband, Mort (David Kennedy) and Daughter, Shelley (Julia Kass). Julie was a teenage movie star, but gave it up to look after her husband and two sons, Scotty (Alexander Marks) and young Timmy, who is ill in bed at Christmas. All are observed by Jeff (Sam Marks), an old friend of Scotty.

After the interval, we are back to the same apartment, on Christmas day 20 years later, but it now looks very different with shabby furniture. Scotty and the two husbands are dead and the children are estranged. Julie and Faye are still friends and support each other. Alexander Marks returns as the adult Timmy, now known as Tim. Jeff also returns and is now a friend of the whole family. More disclosures alter the family dynamics. Both parts make reference to the political events going on in the USA at that time.

Written by Richard Greenberg, who recently died, the play has intelligent and humorous dialogue. This is particularly seen in Tracy-Ann  Oberman’s fantastically good characterisation as a very Jewish mother and wife. She delivers Greenberg’s lines with perfect timing and maximum effect . The rest of the actors are beautifully cast in director, Blanche McIntyre’s excellent production. As usual, the Hampstead Theatre has a well designed set, which gives a good idea of the luxury apartment in the first act and the somewhat dilapidated same apartment, 20 years later.

Written by

CARLIE NEWMAN