My disappointment with this production was all the greater because I sat down well disposed to enjoy it, since there are few opportunities to see Asian actors at work in a straight drama. I'll have to assume that the script was up to Davies's average quality (which is normally very professional) because it was a little difficult to judge the script when everything else about the production was stilted and heavily wooden. The direction was reminiscent of BBC productions from the 60s, where the cameras were constrained by heavy studio pedestals. It showed little imagination, movement, narrative flair or style in the shot selection and montage. With a few exceptions the general standard of acting seemed to be informed by the exaggerated style often seen in light entertainment, where voices, facial expressions and emotions are writ large and projected across the room. Enough has been written and shown over the years about the subtle qualities required for dramatic acting for the camera. Less is more. No doubt this ensemble will become very proficient in time but this was an unfortunate project to practice on.

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