Friday 29 January 2010

The Caretaker **** TNT

Friday 29 January 2010 12:09 GMT

Inviting a tramp to share your junk-filled bedsit isn’t a smart move, but that’s what well-intentioned Aston does in this 1960 black comedy which marked Harold Pinter’s first commercial success.

Jonathan Pryce invests the stinking, calculating Davies with sudden tics, indignant outbursts and a desperate dependence as he tries to play off Peter McDonald’s sluggish Aston against his menacing brother Mick (a controlled but quick to spark Sam Spruell).

They all have plans – to get to Sidcup, to build a garden shed, convert the place into a dream home.

None is likely to come to fruition, but this fine revival builds in atmosphere as allegiances shift and the unlikely power struggle to take over the grubby attic exposes the damaged natures of all three men.

Trafalgar Studios 1, SW1A 2DY Charing Cross (0844 871 7632 ) ambassadortickets.com/trafalgarstudios) Until Apr 17. £20-£45

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