“An Enemy Of The People” by Henrik Ibsen
Nottingham Playhouse.

The play concerns the actions of Doctor Teresa Stockmann, a medical officer charged with inspecting the public baths on which the prosperity of her native town depends. She finds the water to be contaminated and when she refuses to be silenced, she is declared an enemy of the people, and finds that her once allies soon start to turn against her.

The play has been updated, after all it was written in 1882, first performed in 1883, by playwright Rebecca Lenkiewicz and has been Directed by Adam Penford. This update creates a fresher and more modern look at the Ibsen original.

Alex Kingston plays Dr Teresa Stockmann, and, for a theatre fan, this was a great opportunity to see Alex on stage, and experience the passion that she brings to this character and the message she is trying to deliver to her home town, as well as the lengths Dr Stockman will go to, to protect the place she loves.

Malcolm Sinclair plays Mayor Peter Mattsson, Stockmann's brother, and there is definitely no love lost between these family members. The Mayor is so opposed to Dr Stockmann's findings that he will do anything to tarnish the name and reputation of his sister. The reaction he received at his curtain call showed that he had achieved his character's aim.

Deka Walmsley plays Christopher Stockmann. Faithful to his wife's opinions and findings, even though he had a bit of a dither, but came good for his wife in the end.

Donna Banya plays Petra, a loyal supporter to her Mother's cause, even though she was one of the victim's of her Mother's cause from the township.

Richard Evans plays Morten Kiil, and what a brilliant character driven role, but even Morten took advantage of the situation that arose over the contaminated waters.

The whole cast, which also included several local actors, who were fun to spot among the town's folk were all excellent,and certainly held my attention for the entire play.

Set Designer Morgan Large, who was responsible for the incredible set for "Wonderland", previously at the Nottingham Playhouse, designed a fairly sparse set, but sometimes less is more. There was just enough set to flesh out the stage without detracting from the message and the presentation.

Creating atmosphere is the Lighting Design from Tina MacHugh, and the Sound Design, also creating that wet and thundery atmosphere was by Drew Baumohl

This is one play that has not dated at all, thanks to the script update, and can be set wherever and whenever as the story is one that could happen in any town, as long as they have a spa of course, and at any time, so it's timeless.

At just under two hours long - and it didn't seem that long by any stretch of the imagination - the story and the wonderful acting will keep you occupied for the whole time.

The ending is open ended and will leave you to make up your mind as to what Dr Stockmann and her family did next, giving scope to discussions after you leave the theatre.

“An Enemy Of The People” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 28 September.