WEBLINKS
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 |  | Johnson Is Leaving at the Swan. Reviewed by John Fenner.
This play, an extended monologue, was the last text that John Wain completed before he died in 1994. It takes as its context Dr Samuel Johnson's last days of life when, at the age of 75, he is up in his attic, previously occupied by his friend, Dr Bob Levet, reading through letters and papers, and remembering.
He remembers his upbringing in Lichfield, his curtailed time at Oxford, his marriage to Tetty, and his parents, brother and friends.
He expresses his joys, sadnesses and achievements as his life draws to an end, but without any sense of depression, rather one of gratitude to God and an expectation that the terrifying anticipation of damnation for his sins might finally be lifted from him.
| Μύ |  | The Swan theatre in Stratford
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The piece was well-crafted, and offers us an intimate insight into Johnson's world. There are some wonderful quotations, such as Johnson's description of a tavern chair as being "the throne of human felicity", and many amusing reported conversations and confrontations with his family and associates - particularly those with his mother and with Boswell.
The hugely experienced actor, Bruce Purchase, is outstanding in the role. He is a commanding presence, and his constant changes of mood, varying from anger and indignation to an almost impish humour flesh out the character in more ways than one.
At times he walks the stage falteringly with the aid of his stick, at others he rolls on the floor in illustration of an event. The running time of 75 minutes renders this a considerable undertaking for any actor. Mr Purchase is well up to the task.
Direction is by Lisa Forrell who controls the action with a practised hand. I suspect that the Swan stage is considerably larger than many venues that have hosted this production. The fact that the full space is used with apparent ease is to the credit of both director and performer.
It was a joyous evening, and definitely just what the doctor ordered.
For more information on the Royal Shakespeare Company's visitors' season, follow the links on the left.
There is also the Week With Laughter which is not to be missed.
The spring season starts up again with with As You Like It on Thursday 20 March.
Just follow the links on the left to read about the great staged events there this spring.
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