Larkin with Women

West Yorkshire Playhouse

Most people will know Larkin the poet, but not as many people will know about Larkin the ladies' man.

Ben Brown's award-winning play charts the Hull librarian's relationship with the three women who played a pivotal role in his life: lecturer Monica Jones; library assistant Maeve Brennan; and Betty Mackreath, his secretary.

The result is a warts and all portrayal of the poet who is depicted as someone with a selfish need to control women and a constant fear of death, but who could also display a wicked sense of humour and fleeting moments of warmth.

Brown also points to the way women appealed to different sides of Larkin's personality. While Monica provided the intellectual and bohemian, Maeve was the innocent and romantic, and Betty the practical and down-to-earth.

Christopher McHallem depicts Larkin over a 30-year period with great conviction and receives excellent support from Gilly Tompkins as Maeve, Sally George as Monica and Carolyn Pickles as Betty.

Brian Brady directs with assurance, although the play doesn't really connect on an emotional level.

But for a man who wrote "What will survive of us love" what comes across is someone who found it difficult to do just that.

Larkin with Women runs until October 26. For details phone 0113 2137700.

Richard Brgger