THEATRE REVIEW: Fred - The King's Arms, Salford.

‘Different people have different ideas about what normal is.’

A new play from Fine Wine Theatre Company; ‘Fred’ shows us the lives of middle aged couple Trish and Danny as they seek to meet with their regular counsellor to announce that they have decided on a divorce. Now all they must do is decide who gets Fred? However, whilst they do that, their councillors seem to have their own problems that need to be dealt with.

Upon entering the theatre I found a cabaret style seating plan, with tables and chairs all angled towards the stage. This is not the first time I have come across this seating style in the King’s Arms and it works well in the context of the space, with it being a functioning public house as well as a theatre. Just as the play was about to begin, the cast were almost upstaged by the venue’s resident cat as he attempted to reside amongst the furniture and props. Thankfully he was removed without force, and the play could then begin! 

With a 90 minute running time, this comedy/drama, written and directed by Helen Connolly, began much like a kitchen sink drama with a bickering couple that I am sure the audience could relate to, and then gradually escalated into a dark and gritty drama that would be well placed on channel 4, full of humorous twists and revelations.

The play’s opening was strong as the dialogue was fast paced and engaging. Karen Allen and Steve Connolly portrayed a long term couple believably, arguing from the outset. Although there seemed to be a few opening night nerves from one or two of the cast members, all of the cast must be commended on a superb ensemble performance. Connolly had great stage presence, he was natural and at ease in his character. I have witnessed Connolly in a few plays previously and it must be said that this is always the case. Allen portrayed Trish, the wife, with a tiredness and slight vulnerability, despite her character calling the shots on the divorce, which allowed the audience to engage with her on a human level.

The two councillors, played by John Mackie and Louise Wilson both came across as confident in their characters. Wilson brought a great depth and gave us a great character journey as Ellie becomes gradually more unhinged throughout the counselling session, at one point even threatening a stuffed animal with a pair of scissors. Mackie portrays Mark, the couple’s original counsellor impressively. His acting is natural and commanding.

A particularly strong scene within the production in my eyes was the dialogue between Steve Connolly as Danny and John Mackie as Mark. The chemistry between the two characters and their seeming hatred for one another was enjoyable to watch played out on the stage. The two actors worked well together, really bringing the scene to life.

Helen Connolly’s layered writing focused on themes of infidelity, marriage and children. She has successfully written a humorous play full of real moments of joy and shock and filled with poignant messages. However, not once did I feel as though I was being forced to seriously consider these matters, which I am sure is a mark of a great writer.

This was also Helen Connolly’s first time directing. Her directorial style was naturalistic and again much like a kitchen sink drama. There were some really great moments in her direction, such as when the power shifted and different characters found themselves sitting in the counsellor’s chair and commanding the narrative, whilst the other characters sat on the sofa intended for clients.

A wonderful new production with a cast and crew deserving of praise.

Reviewer - Megan Relph
on - 26.10.21