A shy, unassuming young man meets a rebellious young woman,
sparks fly and one thing leads to another. On the surface it seems like a
familiar story but there are layers upon layers to Neil LaBute's powerful play
about art, love, friendship and relationships.
Whilst working his third job in an art gallery Adam finds himself thrust into
conflict with Evelyn, a passionate artist eager to make a statement about
censorship. Walking away with her phone number, he soon finds himself in a
budding romance that appears to be the making of him. All the same, his friends
Phillip and Jenny can't help but wonder if the changes they see really are for
the better. From there on all four find themselves in a tangled web leading to
a conclusion that will change their lives in this small, unnamed college town
forever.
Director Geoff Holman's use of a very simple set, consisting of little more than a table and four chairs, does a tremendous job of placing focus squarely on the four characters and their personalities. Rightly so as there's a wealth of detail in their interactions, frequently hinting at the complex emotions playing out just below the surface. The attention to detail is magnificent, one highlight being the use of an otherwise mundane prop in the final act to crank the emotion level up.
Sam Evans and Annie Rogers, playing Adam and Evelyn respectively have a
tangible, believable chemistry from the very outset. Evans shows an incredible
range of emotion, drawing the audience in without once crossing over into
melodrama. It's impossible to not feel for him as his story plays out. Rogers has incredible presence on stage, commanding attention in exactly the way you'd
expect someone as outspoken as Evelyn would. Charismatic, charming, witty yet
always hinting at the processes taking place just below the surface.
Daniel Molnar has a huge presence and, as such, plays the role of Philip to
perfection. He's every inch the brash, outspoken friend that we all have. The
one where we often wonder why we put up with them but couldn't imagine not
having them around. Sophie Cain balances him perfectly as his partner Jenny, a
quiet soul, with a subtle and understated performance. When the time comes for
Jenny to speak up, Cain handles the gear change effortlessly.
As an ensemble they mesh together fantastically. You'd be hard pressed to watch
them chat, banter and bicker without seeing flashes of your own friends and
family along the way. Between them they expertly handle the laugh-out-loud
moments with enviable comic timing as well as the much darker notes. Each has
their failings but equally they always retain at least some semblance of
sympathy, a genuine triumph considering some of their actions.
Overall this production is an absolute triumph, with the intimacy of the
Lauriston Studio of the Altrincham Garrick Theatre making it feel like we were
guests in the characters' lives. Perfectly paced, it built to a climactic final
scene that frequently provoked audible gasps from the audience. The combination
of script, direction and performance created a real connection with the
characters, such that the events of this climax elicited a visceral emotional
reaction.
Reviewer - Chris Brooker
on - 10.11.21
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