Alterations (The National Theatre)

"I keep my head down to hold my head up."

🎭 Alterations by Michael Abbensetts

⏳️ 1hr 55m no interval

💰 From £20

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Age 18+

📅 20 Feb - 5 April

📌 National Theatre, Waterloo

Walker Holt, a tailor, an estranged husband & father, Guyanese immigrant & a big dreamer. With the hopes of purchasing a larger shop, a large order from a well established businessman may be just what Walker needs. Although nothing worth having ever comes easy, sacrifices will have to be made by Walker, but will these sacrifices be worth the stress, aggro & heartbreak that it is bound to cause?

Alterations is a play that was originally written in 1978 to document the experiences of those from Guyana during the Windrush. This really piqued my interests, as when I think of the Windrush era, I typically think of 🇯🇲🇧🇧🇹🇹. Despite this being a major part of the plot, I do think that the play could have done more to explore the characters' lives prior to arriving in England.

I enjoyed the exploration of love & survival. I've had countless discussions about the ways in which our grandparents' generation navigated relationships. Life was different back then as is documented in this play & I often think of their rships as not so dependent on love but more on the idea of survival.

I really expected to fall in love with Walkers character. However, he reminded me of Barrington from Mr. Loverman. Walker was wildly self-centred but lacking in personal growth, which did disappoint me. However maybe his lack of growth was indicative of the era & the genered role approach to life, education & marriage. Either way, I did not like that man.

The play was good overall, with good themes & funny moments, but the length of the play was questionable imo. For a play of this length, I personally think it would have benefitted from an interval & better pacing.

If you are on the hunt for a new play to watch with a lot of comedic value, an exploration of the male ego & a glance at the experiences of the Guyanese Windrush community, then be sure to book your tickets before April 15th.

Thank you to National Theatre for the invite.

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