ON THE PISTE: till 24 June

ON THE PISTE: John Godber
Birmingham Rep
Runs: 2h 25m, one interval, till 24 June
Review: Rod Dungate 7 June 2006

Strong performances but the play’s getting a bit the worse for wear
The men in ON THE PISTE (blokes, really) are a singularly unpleasant lot – in one way or another, bullies. They don’t get the better of the women; not that the women are in control of their lives – with one notable exception. Godber’s light comedy is peopled with characters of restricted horizons. Two couples (Alison and Chris of ten years, Dave and Bev of six months) meet on a skiing trip, also at the same hotel is a lone woman, Melissa (sophisticated and long-legged) – her husband is on a business trip. There’s also Tony, the instructor, sexy, self-opinionated and omnipresent.

Alison still loves Chris, but Chris not Alison. Bev loves Dave, but Dave increasingly finds her irritating, perhaps because he’s attracted to Melissa. Melissa fancies a bit of rough; while Tony fancies anything of the opposite gender.

As Godber explores the complications of the relationships and they work themselves through – for better as well as for worse – he writes sharp dialogue and produces many laughs. Godber’s play is given a great showing by a strong company.

Anna Lauren, as the intellectually challenged Bev, steers a perfect course between being unbearable and vulnerable; Fiona Dunn manages to be a pain to Chris but not to us. Her drunk scene is particularly good.

There’s great fun with the company skiing down the slope in an ingenious set – Ruari Murchison. Committed and energised performances earn a warm response. I was genuinely touched by Dave’s farewell to Bev, pleased that at least one character is trying to break out of their rut.

But at the end of the day, you do end up wondering what this play is doing on the Rep’s main stage. You crave for characters a little more complex. And the Abba sequence (presumably both a topical joke and meaningful when first written) is well past its sell-by date.

Chris Baxter: Daniel Casey
Alison Allan: Fiona Dunn
Dave Trueman: Keir Charles
Bev Ryan: Anna Lauren
Melissa Grey: Katy Odey
Tony Muller: Trevor White

Director: Paul Raffield
Designer: Ruari Murchison
Lighting Designer: Oliver Fenwick
Sound Designer: Dan Hoole
Voice Coach: Mary Howland
Choreographer: Frances Jaynes
Ski Instructor: Ryan Grewcock

2006-06-09 15:32:26