Tom Stoppard’s Rough Crossing is perhaps not the most performed piece of his work and whilst it certainly has some of the trademark fast paced word play there are other plays he has scripted that feel more successful.

© Pamela Raith Photography
The outstanding design by Colin Richmond is a glorious setting for the rather disappointing production.
Two famous but desperate playwrights are stuck on an Ocean liner headed for New York, desperately trying to rehearse their latest show before disembarking and the subsequent opening night.
But they are constantly distracted by their composer’s attempts to end it all, having overheard his lover confess her feelings to the leading man.

© Pamela Raith Photography
Then appears an unorthodox waiter, and the characters become tangled up in string of absurd events.
Charlie Stemp as Dvornichek, is an absolute jewel. It is easy to see how he has become the hottest property in musical theatre, with a winning, easy air and perfect comedic timing
The pace never really settles and whilst the meta drama format is entertaining, it needs a little more substance to both the characters and plot to enable the audience to remain fully engaged.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
Rough Crossing, from Tom Stoppard, is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, and is showing at the Theatre Royal in Bath until Saturday 2nd March 2019.
For more information, and tickets, visit the Theatre Royal website.