The National Times - Theatre Review: Fences at Nottingham Playhouse

Nottingham Playhouse is presenting a new production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1985 play Fences, with performances scheduled for two additional days. Reviewer Sam Harvey has assessed the staging, noting that the live performance format allows the pressure within the Maxson household to build in real time, offering a distinct experience from the acclaimed 2016 film adaptation.

Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the narrative centers on Troy Maxson, a former baseball player whose talent was denied opportunities due to racism. Now working as a garbage collector, Troy spends his evenings holding court in his back garden. The character is described as charismatic, funny, and fiercely proud, yet trapped by bitterness that prevents him from recognizing possibilities for his son Cory that were unavailable to him.

Ray Fearon delivers a commanding performance as Troy, establishing an immediate presence on stage. His chemistry with the cast is noted as superb, particularly in how the relationships evolve throughout the play. The warmth and humor of the first act gradually give way to distance and confrontation in the second, specifically regarding his relationship with his wife, Rose. Fearon does not ask the audience to excuse Troy’s actions but ensures their understanding of the scars and disappointments behind them.

Madeline Appiah is described as equally exceptional in the role of Rose. Her powerful monologue in the second half serves as the emotional high point of the evening, conveying anger, heartbreak, and accumulated frustration. The review notes that the atmosphere in the theatre shifts as Rose explains the cost of her years creating a home around Troy’s ambitions and failures. Despite this, she remains the grounding force for all the characters.

Supporting roles are filled by Josh Tedeku as Cory and Everal A Walsh as Troy’s friend Jim Bono. The review highlights Walsh’s ability to play characters who impart wisdom to protagonists, referencing his previous role as Old Major in Animal Farm.

The set design recreates the exterior of the Maxson home, including a back garden, providing a sense of scale and authenticity for the single-location play. An unfinished fence running off to the side is interpreted as representing protection, division, and emotional barriers within the family. A tethered baseball hanging from a tree serves as a reminder of regret and unrealized potential.

The production tackles themes of generational trauma, racism, and the fear of never reaching one’s potential without reducing them to simple talking points. It is described as filled with humor and humanity while landing with tremendous emotional force.

Fences runs until Saturday 14 November 2026 at the Nottingham Playhouse.

M.Wilson--TNT