GLAMOUR. To 21 February.
Nottingham
GLAMOUR
by Stephen Lowe.
Nottingham Playhouse Toi 21 February 2009.
Tue-Sat 7.45pm Mat 2.30pm 14 Feb 1.30pm 19 Feb.
Audio-described 14 Feb 7.45pm, 18 Feb.
BSL Signed 21 Feb.
Captioned 17 Feb.
Runs 2hr One interval.
TICKETS: 0115 941 9419
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Alan Geary: 10 February.
The obvious strengths of this one lead to its problems.
Glamour, Stephen Lowe’s latest play, has two obvious strengths: cracking dialogue and visual interest.
The former has the wit and depth we’ve come to associate with Lowe. And the action is behind-screen in the back room of a Nottingham dirty-mac fleapit so we get a back-projected mirror image of whatever’s showing front of house. There’s also a splendidly exploited trap-door.
Set in the early sixties, it concerns six aspiring dreamers, each of whom is highly sympathetic and each of whom contributes a substantial sub-plot.
All these virtues lead to the problem. There’s too much of importance and interest happening simultaneously. For instance, just as you’re trying to concentrate on a crucial bit of main plot development involving seedy manager Frank (Shaun Prendergast) and ex-Kray’s moll Connie (Tanya Myers), a brilliant parody of a moody black and white French film, complete with spotty backs rolling about on a bedstead, is being screened.
Each character is compelling enough for his/her story to be a play in itself; the first half is like a pilot for a series that will concentrate on a character an episode. And the dialogue is so complex and intelligently written that you keep wanting to press the re-wind for a second hearing.
Highlights include the monologue about the nature of Epiphany from Patrick (James Scales), who starts off as a would-be James Joyce in Buddy Holly glasses but turns out to be running a small-time protection racket; and a back-projected, feebly pornographic two-hander masquerading as a garden romp.
There’s also some good singing from Gary Turner, as a failed pop idol with a DA haircut. Acting isn’t remarkable: in fact, gabbling of lines by Michael Socha (Jimmy) and Melissa Simpson (Beatrice) at the outset probably contributes to some initial uncertainty about what’s going on.
Glamour might be a bit mystifying for those with no vices or who weren’t around in the early sixties, but anyone who discovered the usual vices at that time will enjoy recognising innumerable cultural references and identifying with the would-be film-maker hero.
Jimmy Potter: Michael Socha.
Connie Partridge: Tanya Myers.
Frank Partridge: Shaun Prendergast.
Beatrice Connor: Melissa Simpson.
Gary Goodman: Gary Turner.
Patrick Malone: James Scales.
Director: Bill Alexander.
Designer/ Costume: Ruari Murchison.
Lighting: Tim Mitchell.
Sound: Drew Baumchl.
Director of Film Sequences: Roger Knott-Fayle.
Producer of Film Sequences: Barrett Hodgson.
2009-02-12 00:41:45