Masterclass is a play about an older, well-known actor, Roger Sutherland, played expertly by Kurt Lucas, who finds he is getting little work.
In order to provide some income, he decides to hire a primary school classroom and offer masterclasses for £85. It is clear that he has not marketed the classes well as only one budding young actor, Gary Brock, who was a child actor in Australia, played by Alex Dee, turns up. Since arriving in the UK, Gary has found little work except in the odd theatre above a pub, which is ironic as the Tabbard is such a theatre. He is seeking help to allow his to secure more work.
The setting of a primary school classroom is great as it allows the use of small child chairs for Gary to sit on during the class, which I think adds greatly to the play.
Gary arrives expecting to pay by debit card only to find that Roger has not set up to take card payments, so he can only pay by cash.
The play moves along at a fast pace as Gary challenges everything that Roger says and, at some points, turns to be the teacher. The two actors spar off each other with not a dull moment between them. Roger provides some short 3 one-liners for Gary to note. They act out some sceens, including one between Oscar Wilde and his lover Bossie, whose father was Lord Queensbury, who established the rules for boxing.
This is a great play with some very moving and funny parts as it moves along. They are sad and funny parts as it’s clear that Roger’s memory is failing.
It was very clear that the audience enjoyed it, and quite rightly so, definitely one worth going to see at The Tabard Theatre.
For more information and to book tickets for Masterclass, please use the link below.
Four Stars.
Reviewed by Simon Bell.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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