Going For Broke in "Cornelius"

L-R: Alan Cox, David Ellis, and Col Farrell in J.B. Priestley's "Cornelius,"   directed by Sam Yates, part of Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Losing everything you worked for would drive most men to despair.

In J.B. Priest;ey's period drama, "Cornelius," at 59 E59 Theaters through June 30th, the eponymous hero seems inspired to whimsy as his firm fails.

Alan Cox in J.B. Priestley's "Cornelius," directed by Sam Yates, part of Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

James Cornelius (Alan Cox) remains sublimely cheerful while Briggs & Murrison goes steadily into bankruptcy. His spirits are, in part, buoyed by the new typist, Judy Evison (Emily Barber), but he is just a naturally optimistic fellow. Jim is certain that his partner, Bob Murrison (Jamie Newall) will arrive with orders for aluminum from the trip he is making to see their old customers to save their company.

Emily Barber and Alan Cox in J.B. Priestley's "Cornelius," directed by Sam Yates, part of Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

In his office, Jim is supported by the loyal Biddle (Col Farrell) and the smitten Miss Porrin (Pandora Colin.)
The office boy, Lawrence (David Ellis) has adopted a more modern attitude about work. "This is Mr. Murrison's show," he tells Biddle. "It's his firm." Biddle rebukes him "And it's my firm. And it's your firm."
Lawrence responds "No, it isn't. This is simply the place where I come and put out blotting-paper and copy letters for twenty-five bob a week."

 Alan Cox and Col Farrell in J.B. Priestley's "Cornelius," directed by Sam Yates, part of Brits Off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

In "Cornelius," there is a sense that society is going broke as surely as Briggs & Murrison are. There is impending war making trade difficult. Times are generally hard in London in 1935, and a coterie of door-to-door salesfolk come around with paper goods and shaving cream.

Alan Cox is bracing as the kind and sometimes bewildered James Cornelius. He, like his character, is supported by an excellent cast. Col Farrell is outstanding, and Pandora Colin simply wonderful as the protective and love-struck Miss Porrin. Emily Barber also gives an exceptional performance. The fine actors are aided in their performance by the well-paced direction of Sam Yates.

To learn more about "Cornelius," please visit www.59e59.org.  Also visit www.finboroughthre.co.uk to learn more about the production company that brought "Cornelius" to Brits Off Bway.