The first thing that strikes you when walking into the small fringe studio theatre above Salford's King's Arm's pub, is that instead of the usual cabaret seating, this has been completely forsaken for a larger stage with just a scattering of chairs around the periphery of a circular acting space, crammed full of 1950's era paraphernalia. The set dressing was excellent, from larger items such as juke box and sofa, to the much smaller, it all looked authentic and gave the very realistic appearance of the back room / office space of a seedy London night club in that era. The next thing that strikes you is that one of the characters - we later learn is Silver Johnny - is pacing and agitated, which is something that director capitalises on as a running theme throughout this very edgy and realistic portrayal.
The acting is close, very close, in fact perhaps too close for comfort at times, as these low-life gangsters are constantly at each others' throats, and the physicality is superbly realised as we completely believe their fighting and bullying. An old cutlass is wielded with gay abandon perilously close to both character and audience, whilst a derringer pistol is pointed willy-nilly at unsuspecting audience members. Though I should point out that never once did the cast acknowledge the audience; the fourth wall was firmly in place the whole time and despite having to walk over over legs (literally at times) we did not exist for them. As an actor myself I know just how difficult this is, and it requires a certain type of actor / acting and so I take my hat off to them all!
The story follows the manager of this nightclub and his workers as they are challenged by a rival gang. Whether this is a real threat or not is left in the air, but the important thing is that they do believe it is. One of their member gets cut up and placed in a dustbin, whilst the dinger is kidnapped. It's a bit soap-opera-ish in the plot development, but the reality of their predicament is clear. There is much bravado and childhood / playground squabbling - making us realise that mentally these are still boys - they have not yet grown into men; indeed there are no women in the play, and none are mentioned. This is a boys' game being played by men with real weapons. The script is a heady mix of dark humour, contemporary references, and hard-hitting mobster lines, and the whole is a mix of 'The Sopranos-meets-David Mamet'.
The play is a theatrical gem, which was masterfully directed and acted. The acting - by all six of these very talented actors - was utterly mesmeric, spine-chillingly good, and totally real. It is such a great pity that there was no programme available. I now do not have any keepsake from the show, and moreover, I have no idea who the creatives involved in this production were!
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
on - 24.5.25
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