15 Oct 2006
What an extraordinary night. The last night of PROOF. Last nights are very rarely the best nights. In most cases, the actors tend to go a little awry with the emotion or push too strongly. Not tonight. The indomitable Sally Oliver, in the lead role, charted our course with the stoicism that has characterised her incredible voyage through this play. Instead of it going awry, tonight’s performance was freshly and deeply felt.
I could not believe it. I could not believe our last show of this wonderful run was going to end so beautifully. As the last scene approached, I couldn’t imagine it fulfilling all my dreams – but as I stood backstage, I worked out the key to holding it true for myself and pushing it even further. And boy! – did it unlock the most delicate playing we’ve ever done of that final scene.
Tonight was a very special performance. The audience knew it. We knew it. I doubt I have ever felt like writing this before, but it was perfect theatre.
For the first time in my life, I was crying at the curtain call (and no-one noticed, thank goodness). To be in this theatre, in this play, in this cast, with this audience – what an extraordinary experience.