AudioFactory.co.uk, 24 May 2012
First produced as a BBC Radio play, The House on Highbury Hill
was a macabre tale of a young man Casimir (Robert Prince), who stays at a seedy boarding house run by Ethel (Sarah
Vennet), her mother (Elaine Hain), and their sister Marigold (Angela Bell). Casimir develops a shine for Ethel, but is
eventually dissuaded from doing so by Marigold, who beds him instead. The two of them get married, but end up in an unhappy
alliance with Marigold complaining all the time about her husband's lack of concern. Eventually Casimir is left to speculate
on whether he made the right decision or not.
Robert Prince's production focused on the nature of human freedom. Each
scene was introduced by a narrator (Steven Perry), describing the time and place, suggesting that he had some degree of control
over the characters. Casimir kept praying to God, as if hoping for forgiveness for his sins, but found none
forthcoming; such misfortunes led him to speculate on whether it was worthwhile sustaining his Catholic faith, On the other
hand fate always seemed to get the better of him; despite his best intentions, he had no real hope of happiness.
Competently produced with an enthusiastic cast, The House on Highbury Hill
was the first production from a new audio drama outfit. I was really impressed with their efforts; and look forward to more plays,
whether new plays or revivals, in the near future.
