Review of A Simple Man

Introduction

LS Lowry is famous for his matchstick men, very individual pictures of men and women worn down by the industrial toil. This DVD is a record of the ballet created to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Choreographed by Gillian Lynne and with music by Carl Davis this was produced for Salford and the BBC in 1987.

There is an introduction by Albert Finney which helps explain to Lowry novices many of the scenes in the ballet. It was filmed in the City of Salford Museum where many of Lowry`s works are displayed.

The ballet or musical drama is in seven acts and only lasts about 30 minutes.

It focuses on the relationship that Lowry has with his mother. She died when he was aged 51 and he nearly went mad with grief He did carry on painting until the end of his life in 1976. Strange to think that his mother was bitterly disappointed in him.

Christopher Gable plays the part of LS Lowry and Moira Shearer (The Red Shoes) came out of retirement, still with her beautiful red hair, to play his mother. Other characters are danced by members of the Northern Ballet.

Both of the main dancers were picked for their dramatic abilities. They had been in the Royal Ballet but became actors for different reasons. Moira Shearer had retired to bring up her large family after a final appearance in Michael Powell`s Peeping Tom a flim savaged by the critics but now recognised as a masterpiece.

Christopher Gable took up acting due to arthritis and famously featured with Twiggy in "The Boyfriend."

Video

This is a made for TV production and whilst following the lines of the ballet it also acknowledges this is a filmed performance; using close-ups and fadeouts to good effect.

It also manages to incorporate direct references to Lowry`s painting as they are recreated by the dancers.

Audio

The music is very good, only to be expected from Davis who is well known for his scoring abilities.

The sound is basic but adequate using only two speakers.

Features

There is an up to date meeting between Gillian Lynne and Carl Davis as they discuss their experience of creating the dance-drama. They had considerable artistic freedom it seems and the discussion is well worth a watch.

There is also the introduction by Albert Finney which is a performance in itself and an excellent framing device for those of us who know very little about Lowry.

The photo gallery is, as ever nothing to get too excited about.

Conclusion

An unexpected treat this performance is simple but effective and an excellent choice for lovers of ballet and painting. It manages to combine the two in an intriguing study of a man and his art. It certainly piques the imagination and induces a desire to seek out the referenced works of art.

The quality of this ballet for the people is a marvellous reminder of the how the BBC used to throw money at quite worthy projects. It can hardly have been a massive winner in the ratings battle but is still being performed by the Northern Ballet Theatre which indicates how much it has been taken on as a modern classic.

The best thing would be to see this in a theatre but this little time capsule offers the chance to see two masterly performers at work who may well inspire some future ballet stars.

It was also another pleasure to see Shearer perform again in a fittingly impressive part. Sadly the equally inspiring Christopher Gable passed away a year later from cancer.