Although River’s Up was written in 2000 it has a theme that is perhaps more prevalent now than it was then – rising water levels and the subsequent flooding caused, we are led to believe, by global warming. There are serious, relevant issues, especially in the West Country where large swathes were seriously inundated last year.
Alex Jones’ play, however, seems to concentrate more on the effect than the cause. Tom and Sally, a bickering middle-aged couple, live in a house on the banks of the River Severn. Their lives and livelihood are centred on the river and so is their downfall. When the rains come and the water rises, they lose everything.
Although I am sure the play was written with good intentions it lacked any real insight or opinion. I imagine a good play could be written and produced on this subject but sadly this was not it. I find it hard to say anything positive about any aspect of this production, apart from that perhaps its heart was in the right place. ★★☆☆☆ Michael Hasted 10/06/15