Cornelius

TNT

Alan Cox gives an impressively nuanced performance that would sit well on any West End stage in the first revival in over 70 years of J. B Priestley’s office drama. He plays the eponymous, pinstripe-suited junior partner of Briggs and Murrison - an aluminium trading company on the verge of bankruptcy.

In a role written specifically for Ralph Richardson, Cox keeps his emotions (superficially at least) in check, conveying all the gentlemanly geniality of a bygone era – caring for his staff, attempting to fend off creditors and displaying unfailing loyalty to senior partner Murrison (Jamie Newall) who’s off travelling the country in a last ditch attempt to drum up business in a time of recession. But he’s also something of dreamer who constantly imagines a life of adventure far from Holborn and comes under the spell of the pretty, young replacement typist.

The ambitious office boy with an eye on technology and the future (David Ellis), the methodical old-timer (Col Farrell’s cashier Biddle), the cheeky cleaner (Beverley Klein) and the hopelessly devoted spinster are all here in Sam Yates’ touchingly humane and pertinent revival. And David Woodhead’s realistic set is just one more reason why this often funny and finely acted production deserves to reach a wider audience.

Finborough, Finborough Road, SW10 9ED
Tube | Earl’s Court
Until 8th September
£12-£16finboroughtheatre.co.uk