DEALER'S CHOICE, Marber, Bham Rep, in rep till 12 October

DEALER'S CHOICE: Patrick Marber
Birmingham Rep: Tkts 0121 236 4455
Runs: 2h 5m, one interval, in rep with MY NIGHT WITH REG till 12 October
Info: www.birmingham-rep.co.uk: eve perfs at 7.30 mats at 2.30
Review: Rod Dungate, 25 September 2002

A compulsive play about compulsion intriguing and exciting, a glimpse through a door into an unknown world.Marber's dialogue in this play about compulsion flies across the stage as fast as the bets are made in the second half's poker game. The play is, itself, compulsive viewing. Marber's script is sharp and honed, his pace unremitting a strength director Angus Jackson has clearly recognised. Add to this that the world of poker and gambling is murky and mysterious to most of us and you have an intriguing and exciting play.

The play takes place in the kitchen, dining area and basement of a restaurant owned by Stephen. Stephen, his employees and wayward son play a regular Sunday night game of poker the stakes often significantly high. The action works towards the poker game itself, so that by the time we get there, much dramatic weight rests upon it we care a great deal about the fate of the various players.

The poker game is a theatrical tour de force: a long section in which, although we understand little of the jargon, allows us to glimpse through a door leading to an exciting world. Marber doesn't leave us behind, however, he strips away the glamour and examines the compulsion why do people constantly risk all? Marber is an accomplished writer: with a sure hand he ensures we never forget that human beings are at the centre of his drama.

Martin Turner is a cool boss, Stephen. His intelligence is palpable and Turner ensures we like him. But life is not simple, neither is Turner's Stephen. He turns a £50 gift into a link in the chain that binds compulsive gambler Sweeney to him. Sweeney, hard working, caring who cannot help himself gambling his every last penny, is movingly played by Paul Hickey. Pearce Quigley does a terrific job of ensuring bizarre character Mugsy (not only compulsive gambler but compulsive talker too) is believably 3D. He throws himself physically and verbally into an arresting performance.

Sweeney: Paul Hickey
Stephen: Martin Turner
Mugsy: Pearce Quigley
Frankie: Patrick Baladi
Carl: James Loye
Ash: David Hounslow

Director: Angus Jackson
Designer: Jonathan Fensom
Lighting: Jason Taylor
Original Music: Richard Hammarton
Dialect Coach: Jeanette Nelson

2002-09-25 16:08:04