Restless Farewell
by William George Q
The Play:
Restless Farewell won the Woolwich Young Radio Playwrights' Competition in 1996. It was highly praised by the judges and was awarded top position among the ten winners. The top two plays that year were also adapted for the theatre - the stage version of Restless Farewell ran for three weeks at the Battersea Arts Centre in September 1996, to critical acclaim. The radio version of this play was originally broadcast on LBC's Sunday Playhouse programme, and it was our Internet Play of the Month for August 1998.
You can find out all about the multi-talented William George Q, by clicking here.
Here are some of the press reviews of the stage show:
"William George Q's Restless Farewell presents the reunion of four university pals at the wake of their friend Graham. While leathering their way through his bereaved wife's drinks cabinet, they go through the reminiscent motions. But this is a lot more than just a series of "Wasn't it funny when...?" yarns, because Graham's computer, the repository of his thoughts and feelings, is a virtual character in its own right. And while the gloriously enigmatic Callum (Justin Skelton) 'hacks' his way into the truth, the group's notions of past and present are infected by the ghost of Graham's hard drive. The set is dominated by a huge projection of the VDU screen, and much sport has obviously been had in designing the slides that go with it. But the real sparkle takes place on the sofa between Ally (Rupert Degas), Dougie (Craig Elliott) and Billy (Ian Arthur) as they banter their way through the night......This remains an innovative piece and a perky alternative to other tired rehashes of The Big Chill." (Julia Walsh, What's On)
"The laddishness of the characters is beautifully handled - the boys are very different and each of them had a singular relationship with the dead friend and this is wonderfully conveyed. Truly, you are on a journey with these characters." (Helen Taylor, Wandsworth Borough News)
"...crackling script..." (What's On)
"....a play with terrific energy and enthusiasm..." (Wandsworth Borough News)
