BEEF To 23 May.

Hull.

BEEF
by John Godber.

Hull Truck Studio Theatre To 23 May 2009.
Mon-Sat 8pm Mat 20, 23 May 2pm.
Runs 1hr 50min One interval.

TICKETS: 01482 323638.
www.hulltruck.co.uk
Review: Alan Geary at Palace Theatre Mansfield: 6 May.

Has all the Godber/Hull Truck trademarks.
This one-hander about Dave Cookson (Matthew Booth), aspiring, then actual, body-builder is set entirely in Dave’s dad’s garage, where he’s installed some weight-lifting equipment.

Booth is a good actor. In the first half he has to be a physical failure, a victim, the type who used to get sand kicked in his face; in the second he’s transformed. It’s largely Booth’s acting that makes the transformation convincing.

The first part, where we learn that Dave was bullied at school and dumped by Sharon, the girl he idolised, is funny but full of pathos. Here, and throughout the show, there’s no massive interaction with the audience but anticipation of questions it might want to ask - Does he drink? Has he got a girlfriend?

The second part takes a more serious turn; it’s altogether bleaker, and the pathos more overt. Dave’s been away, some of the time at university; and he’s re-met Sharon - and his old tormenters. The play ends on a sinister note.

Beef has the humour, sharp observation and authentic dialogue generally associated with John Godber and Hull Truck. The audience liked it, and rightly so.

Dave Cookson: Matthew Booth.

Director: Nick Lane.
Designer/Lighting: Graham Kirk.

2009-05-08 15:06:01