Take On Me was a site specific piece taking place in Broughton Leisure Centre, Salford, unfortunately not after hours as advertised, which became apparent later.
I had heard good things about the company, Dante Or Die, and this production in particular, and I had been waiting in anticipation of seeing this sold out play. But my excitement soon waned in the reception area of the leisure centre, as the entirety of the audience crowded in, the space became hotter and the smells of other people unpleasant. It appeared there were several delays made apparent by frantic pacing of individuals involved with the show. Several of the staff involved with the production did their best to make sure we were aware tea and coffee were available and to set a friendly atmosphere.
As we waited in the reception area staff presented us with red or blue sweat bands, this gave cause for many a pre-show selfie and made it easy for staff to split us into two groups to be led around the leisure centre. Early scenes took place in spaces so warm it was very uncomfortable and detracted from the action happening.
The 80's themed band comprised of George Hicks, Elanor Isherwood and Sophie Gunn were highlights of the show; singing, playing musical instruments and signing BSL they were the most charismatic persons in the performance. These Musical Angels led the audience around the space to the tune of well loved 80's pop music, their voices stood in for the omnipotent voice of the gym management and they engaged with the audience, I couldn't imagine this show working without them.
During one part of the show a movement sequence took place on a treadmill, Fiona Watson's character Lisa walked on the slowly revolving belt and other actors weaved on to the same machine to pass her giving the effect of playing scenes from her life with her deceased husband. Great innovative use of the space we were in for dramatic purpose, it was a beautiful scene and the best of Watson's performances. Technically I worried for physical safety of several of the actors and there were slight wobbles of balance and difficulty with spacing on the machine.
Watson's very near literal Swan Song of the performance was the climatic pool scene, the audience gathered at the side of the pool and watched on edge as gripped by grief Watson's character saw visions of her husband in full business attire fall into the pool calling her name only to emerge out of the water with members of the public in their swimming costumes. An impressive powerful moment but unfortunately immediately let down as the other actors lack of urgency as they called for the life guard, their pleas of help, were flat and unfelt. Supporting roles in this production were played by members of the public their performances who often didn't meet the drama they were trying to portray, there was a lack of technical ability and little connectivity between scene partners, I really didn't believe any emotion flowed between them. Apart from, a brief moment of joy from the actor playing Tom Cruise who stole the scene he all too briefly appeared in, energetic and well timed responses to cues, he was a laugh out loud performance.
DK Ugonna's likeable Life Guard literally came to rescue Lisa and the scene, triumphantly saved the day and got the filmic 'scene ending kiss' to loud applause and cheers from the audience a great cliché of 80's films but after the drama and issues surrounding Lisa's grief and almost drowning not being addressed, I felt disappointed and cheated.
Actors began striking costumes and were out of character before the applause had finished, a nice community project and enjoyable way to challenge conceived notions of what theatre is, but I left feeling I had not enjoyed the show as a whole.
It seemed more poignant that evening the moment that regular gym goers, who came to their community gym that night were turned away.
Reviewer – Jane Smith
on – 15/2/19
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