by Ian Diddams
images by Ian Diddams, Mike Stephens and Next Stage
Ask people what they know about Philip Larkin, and the general best response may well be “a poet”. They may even know he was a librarian at the University of Hull. Some may even know he coined a phrase concerning the effect of one’s parents upon one – a rather rude quote, far too rude to be spelt out here in Devizine obviously. What they – or you – may not know though is that he had thirty plus years polyamorous… arrangements… with three women none of whom were overjoyed at sharing him but couldn’t let him go. Or at least, that is the wonderful picture painted by playwright Ben Brown in his play “Larkin with Women” which Next Stage Theatre Company are performing this week at the Mission Theatre, Bath.
This is a sumptuous work,. Deliciously delivered in a simple in the round setting of office, flats and a weekend cottage with an equally delightful sound track to set it all off. The plot runs through Larkin’s life with his amours Monica a long standing girlfriend and English lecturer, Maeve who comes to work at the library he runs, and Betty his secretary. His persona is of a sharp witted, pithy remarked but not uncaring man, his dialogue stuffed full of ironic responses and jokes. Yet he is egocentric at times seemingly oblivious to his devotees’ desire for monogamy, or at least uncaring, with his rejection of marriage as an institution. This especially causes a barrier with Maeve who as a strict Catholic cannot agree to sex outside marriage and they carry out their unconsummated affair for over a decade until the inevitable happens, Maeve is distraught, and Larkin responds with “You’re forty-six years old. Its not as if you can hang on to it for ever”. Monica is the closest of the three to Larkin’s approach to love but is jealous of the others’ involvements. Betty is last to fall for him and she too wishes him to herself.
The play draws to the obvious conclusion as Larkin’s life ends at the age he prophesied, his three partners in life visiting him for what may be a last time. Monica has the most heart wrenching line in the play as she answers a question posed by Larkin as he approaches death – as an audience we can see the answer coming, but when it does it is delivered with such great timing, and tenderness that it still brings forth an immediate emotion and reaction.
The cast are sublime, each playing their part superbly to eke out each character’s nuances and foibles. Tania Lyons as Monica, Antonia White as Maeve and Stephanie Hunt as Betty create three distinctly different women… Betty caring, Maeve desperate for marriage, Monica devoted. Brian Hudd fulfils the role of Larkin with panache and even brilliance. Mannerisms, delivery, aura… if this is not how Larkin really was, then he should have been Brian’s portrayal.
A simple set, a gorgeous playlist, subtle yet engaging tech and period clothing throughout from Kris Nuttall, Andy Punt, Vanessa Bishop and Ann Ellison – who also directed this wonderful piece of theatre, more than ably assisted by Andrew Ellison as Stage Manager.
Ben Brown the writer in the program notes is quoted as saying “there is a fine line sometimes between humour and irony”. He is spot on of course, but I’d go one further and suggest there is a fine line between irony and pathos… and Ben delivers that second fine line absolutely perfectly, in this absolutely perfect play. Next Stage have dedicated this performance run to the real life Betty Mackereth, who died this week.
“Larkin with Women” is playing at the Mission Theatre, Bath, until Saturday November 29th November at 1930 each evening, tickets from the theatre itself or from
https://www.missiontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/2025/larkin-with-women
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