Barnes' People, Trafalgar Studios ****

It was a great shame that I could not find a ticket for The Ruling Class for love nor money after seeing the magnificent James Mcavoy light up the stage with the 'honourable man' speech from Julius Caesar in the last trafextra. Fortunately I did manage to grab a free ticket to see monologue written by the same playwright by a surprise cast. The speeches themselves were beautiful. The first was about a female doctor talking about the plight of the elderly in the east end of London, the second was an 113 year old reminiscing about her promiscuous past whilst the third was an ordinary man who found his identity as a receiver for an alien race. They are gut- wrenching and beautiful and needs to be seen. What enhanced these exquisite speeches were the stellar line up who performed them. Rosa's speech was delivered with heart from Urinetown's Jenna Russel who conveyed the real distress that is felt by and for the elderly and their treatment. Yesterday's news was portrayed by Maggie Steed who was powerful yet vulnerable in the role. The last performer was none other than the ninth doctor Cristopher Eccleston. He was equally impressive in a role which could alienate audiences because of the sci fi element to the monologue but portrayed the human side to the character. This evening was extraordinary and puts many theatres to shame in its efforts to make theatre more accessible to all.