Time Present

Synopsis

A Pimlico flat becomes the stage for a sharp-tongued actress’s reflections on life, love, and the theatre in 1960s London.

Pamela, the daughter of recently deceased actor Sir Gideon Orme, finds herself at a crossroads. Temporarily sharing a flat with her friend Constance, an ambitious MP, Pamela grapples with her father’s passing, her stalled acting career, and her place in a rapidly changing world. As she prepares to leave the flat, Pamela’s acerbic wit and keen observations lay bare the complexities of her relationships with Constance, Constance’s lover Murray, and her own dysfunctional family.

The play unfolds over two acts, primarily through Pamela’s interactions and reflections. Her biting commentary spares no one – from her stepmother Edith and stepsister Pauline to the up-and-coming actress Abigail and various theatrical personalities. Pamela’s decision to seek an abortion becomes a catalyst for examining her life choices and the societal expectations placed upon women.

Osborne’s razor-sharp dialogue explores themes of ageing, disillusionment, and the artifice of performance both on and off stage. The play offers a scathing critique of 1960s British society, the theatrical establishment, and the emerging counterculture, all filtered through Pamela’s caustic wit. As the story progresses, the audience is forced to question the authenticity of Pamela’s persona and the true nature of her relationships.