Film & Theatre, Reviews | Posted on February 20th, 2026 | return to news

REVIEW: Von Ribbentrop’s Watch

Wimborne Drama Productions, Tivoli Theatre

By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk

It takes a creative mind to realise that a chance discovery could be reworked to become a full-length play.

But this is what Laurence Marks — who, together with Maurice Gran, wrote TV’s ‘Birds of a Feather’ and ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’ — did when he discovered that his pre-war watch had once belonged to Joachim von Ribbentrop, Hitler’s foreign minister.

The play, written by Marks and Gran, takes place in 2008 in the family home of Jewish wine merchant Gerald Roth and his wife Ruth, who are celebrating Passover with their family.

Stuart Glossop puts in a huge amount of energy as Gerald, who discovers that the watch, which had been left to him by his father, would sell for a huge amount at auction. The fact that it was once owned by a Nazi isn’t lost on him.

Molly Jackson completely captures the essence of Ruth, who had converted to the Jewish faith, and she has a spirited ding-dong not only with her husband but also with her mother-in-law Lila.

Judy Garrett encapsulates the Jewish mother from hell with her fixed ideas and constant put-downs of Ruth and just about anyone who doesn’t fit in with her ideals.

Gerald’s brother David, a widowed taxi driver, played by Andy Gill, adds even more pathos to the action as he tries to keep everyone happy — not an easy task.

Sasha Pike is an actress with a very expressive face and manner, and she perfects the role of David’s daughter, who drops a bombshell on the evening.

Finally, Michael Mackey as the watch repairer Mr Blackburn, who discovered the timepiece’s provenance, and Sam Moulton as the collector both put in convincing performances.

The story has surprises and a little humour. It is an interesting weave of history and tradition.
Congratulations to the creative team, who once again produced an excellent set.

The play runs until this Saturday 21 February. To book a ticket, telephone 01202 885566 or visit tivoliwimborne.co.uk.