Camden New Journal

When Ned Sherrin directed the first production of Keith Waterhouse's rig-roaring play Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell at the Old Vic, the eponymous hero spent night after night holding up the theatre bar.

Jeffrey Bernard died in 1997, but Waterhouse's play was recently revived with Tom Conte, now Kevin Colson takes the role of the world-weary alcoholic at Upstairs at the Gatehouse.  The premise is simple.  The Spectator columnist, (the play gets its title from the message that appeared in place of his Lowlife column when he was too ill from booze to write) wakes up on the floor of the Coach and Horses in Greek Street, Soho, run by the Rudest Landlord in London, Norman Balon.

Locked in for the night, Jeffrey leads us on a tale of his life, from falling in love with Soho - "from that point I never looked forward" - through his four wives, sackings, and escapades with actors, painters and other hard drinking pals.  The play is essentially a selection of comedic sketches.  An especially hilarious passage sees Jeff desperately trying to find an alternative to horse racing which has been cancelled due to bad weather.

He hits upon the idea of cat racing, and with food as an incentive, Jeff and his friends starve their moggies to make them go faster.

The role of Jeff is very demanding.  The character is on stage throughout the long play and has a great deal to say.

Other actors are essentially there to perform as caricatures, allowing Jeffrey to shine, and , thankfully Kevin Colson in the role is excellent.

From the moment he wakes up spluttering on the carpet Colson is utterly convincing, he is the irascible Jeffrey Bernard and his bravura performance makes for a constantly entertaining two hours.

JOEL TAYLOR

THE STAGE

Designers Katy Tuxford and Carolyn Wilson are the first people who should be praised for the set of this production, which is as realistic a pub as can be seen on the stage.  So intent are the audience  on admiring it upon entering the theatre they fail to notice the body of a man slumped on the floor beneath a table.

So begins the production of Keith Waterhouse's award-winning play based on the life of four-times married journalist, alcoholic and gambler Jeffrey Bernard.  The script - the true star of the show - is hilarious and tight, keeping the audience's attention even during the opening cough which must stretch five minutes.

For this show to work, the actor taking on the role of Bernard has to have considerable skill.  Fortunately Kevin Colson is more than able.  His booming voice strikes the right tone between hilariously funny memories - including some classic one liners - and sad realism of the life of an alcoholic gambling addict.

Supporting players Peter Harding, Susan Harriet, Carola Stewart and Mark Underwood are all impressive, with Harding standing out, especially in the scene when - desperate for something to bet on when the racing is cancelled due to weather - Bernard and two friends race their own cats.

Director Alexander Holt lets the script do most of the work but there are pleasing entrances and exits utilising every inch of the wonderful set.  All in all, an extremely moving and entertaining evening and a must-see show.

VICTORIA WORSLEY