Bill Ward gives an explosive portrayal of Jimmy Porter, the original angry young man, in the Northern Stage touring production of John Osborne’s 1950’s drama Look Back in Anger, directed by Erica Whyman, at Salisbury Playhouse last week.

Jimmy’s self-opinionated, incessant tirades, issued at full volume, have become largely disregarded by browbeaten wife Alison and their flatmate Cliff, a solid character (played by Rob Storr) who just wants to keep the peace.

Refreshingly, Jimmy’s vehement, articulate outbursts lack the expletives so commonplace now. Nia Gwynne plays Alison, who has endured four years of verbal tyranny, with brief comfort in the fragmentary moments of tenderness she shares with Jimmy, in their fantasy world. Increasingly weary and dispirited, she seeks solace in Cliff’s faithful friendship.

The arrival of her old friend Helena, (Laura Howard) reminds Alison of the comfortable lifestyle she renounced when she married, but ultimately Helena is captivated by Jimmy’s magnetic masculinity.

The production reflects the period accurately, in dress, style and atmosphere, of a grey northern Sunday, with only newspapers, radio and endless cups of tea to relieve the tedium. An ironing board is among the stars of this three-hour marathon.

Stella Taylor