Just as we settle into Anna’s story, McAuliffe divests herself of a layer of clothing with some relish to change into the first of three different manifestations of the writer Annabella Wharton. First, she is the novelist in the Cotswolds, now elegantly clad in a floaty gown, being interviewed by a succession of radio presenters who are all voiced by BBC journalist James Naughtie. Annabella is of course now older and more confident in middle age, giving as good as she gets with the reporters. She soon evolves into the very nervy, self-effacing Irish poet version of Annabella, who in turn contrasts with the third, fearless Scottish author.
Finally, we meet Annie in old age, the climax of this gradually ageing trio of vignettes. She is an untidy and homeless Cockney charwoman (old term for a cleaning lady) – a character based on the woman who cleaned Wesker’s childhood home, albeit that his family were relatively poor East End Jews. Old Annie is alone and stranded on a station platform that we discover, after an announcement (voiced by Peter Straker), is Waterloo. Annie has nowhere to go and no hope left.
The strength of character that McAuliffe displays is astounding, both in her command of the multifaceted leading role and her determination to bring Annie Wobbler back to the stage. In doing so, she has revived not only a glorious old story, but the spirit of Wesker himself.
By Judi Herman
Photos by Ella Carmen Dale
Annie Wobbler (Revisited) runs until Saturday 26 September. 7.30pm, 3pm (Sat & Sun only). From £20, from £18 concs. Finborough Theatre, London, SW10 9ED. finboroughtheatre.co.uk
