EDWARD GANT'S AMAZING FEATS OF LONELINESS. To 11 April.
Tour.
EDWARD GANT'S AMAZING FEATS OF LONELINESS
by Anthony Neilson.
Headlong Theatre and Nuffield Theatre tour to 11 April 2009.
Runs 1hr 25min No interval.
Review Mark Courtice 3 March at Nuffield Theatre Southampton.
Running Time 1hr 25min No interval.
Unexpectedly, this is an intriguing evening.
At first sight it seems odd that Headlong and the Nuffield should invest so much time, skill and effort in reviving a seven-year-old studio piece. As the show progresses, however, its beguiling power begins to work, leading to a satisfying evening - theatrical, intriguing and emotionally grown-up.
We are in what seems like familiar territory as four actors open the curtains on a Victorian touring variety show. Raddled and worn out, Edward Gant introduces us to Italian pearl magnates, an uncomplicated mystic, and the Phantom of the Dry (who appears to actors when they have forgotten their lines). By the time we get to the pair of abandoned teddy bears we have definitely moved to somewhere much odder.
Originally created at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, Neilson's play tells bizarre fairy tales, all oddly skewed and some in questionable taste (actually pretty disgusting). But each conceals hidden depths of meaning and especially emotion. Because it is so well written, like one character's rampant spots that pop pearls, Neilson’s pustular images spurt theatrical pleasure.
The co-producers have certainly given the show their best shot. It's well cast, well-directed, and beautifully designed. Music, clowning and the theatrical box of tricks of lighting and sound are all marshalled to great effect. When things get wobbly, that's choice not underfunded necessity.
Simon Kuntz endows Gant with shabby elegance and a sense of danger. Things could go horribly wrong in his variety show of the emotions, and they do. Paul Barnhill's excellent singing makes him stand out, but the uniformly capable ensemble makes us care about material that could end up just chaotic or whimsical. Steve Marmion's production is full of confidence and steel-wristed control of tone and timing.
Designer Tom Scutt's contribution is substantial. The show looks fantastic. A small proscenium with doors and sliding flats is meticulous, colourful and offers opportunities to surprise and enchant - a shadow screen is used with economy for instance. Throughout the finish is detailed and the costumes are witty, well thought-out and interesting.
Nicholas Ludd: Paul Barnhill.
Jack Dearlove: Sam Cox.
Madame Poulet: Emma Handy.
Edward Gant: Simon Kunz.
Director: Steve Marmion.
Designer: Tom Scutt.
Lighting: Malcolm Rippeth.
Sound/Composer: Tom Mills.
2009-03-08 12:12:40