A picture of how we live now, the action moves from everyday events through screaming climaxes to a moment of melodrama.

By CHRISTOPHER SMITH

“Why does there have to be all this endless complication?” cries one of David Hare's characters in The Secret Rapture, at the Maddermarket Thetare in Norwich.

Through humour and hysteria, the answer seems to lie mainly in human psychology, though the play suggests that alcoholism and capitalism play their part too while religion is brought in only to be cast out.

A picture of how we live now, the action moves from everyday events through screaming climaxes to a moment of melodrama. When it comes, Jenny Dewsbury as Isobel has to deliver lines that sound as if they come straight from a Victorian sensational novel.

Meek and mild until his faith falters, Tom Watson milks his part for laughs in his best lugubrious manner. Though impressive in stature, Trevor Markworth is less assured

as Irwin, which means that the collapse of his self-confidence is not so striking as it might be.

Mel Sessions is a hard-boiled Marion, and Kate Longland a feisty Katherine. Kirsten Riley's production brings out character at every point, and generally maintains a conversational tone.