ON THE PISTE To 26 September.
Oldham.
ON THE PISTE
by John Godber.
Coliseum Theatre To 26 September 2009.
Tue-Sat 7.30pm Mat Wed 16 Sept, Sat 26 Sept 2.30pm.
Audio-described: Wed 18 Sept.
BSL Signed: Fri 25 Sept.
Runs 2hr One interval.
TICKETS: 0161 624 2829.
www.coliseum.org.uk
Review: Stoon 5 September 2009
A sexy set doesn’t prevent the production creaking with age.
Advance production shots suggested an impressive Alpine backdrop of snow-capped trees, a ski-run and log-cabin bar – the reality didn’t disappoint , especially with Richard Foxton’s set so effectively lit by Thomas Weir. Unfortunately it proved a case of the play being upstaged by the stage set.
Set in an Austrian Ski School, John Godber’s narrative concerns the close encounters of five English folk abroad and paints broad-brushed, stereotypical caricatures blessed with the depth of a July snowdrift in Torquay. The talented cast of six aren’t helped by a tone which ditches subtlety in favour of “larger than life” – think ‘Carry On Up the Piste’.
Written in 1990, the piece remains time-warped through the absence of topicality. It would benefit from updated social habits and preferences (fondue anyone?) and a (snow) white heat of technology upgrade – whilst ‘Twittering’ on the slopes isn’t essential, the absence of any mobile phones seems unrealistic – instead we’re left with references to McCain Oven Chips, Richard Gere and Tetley Tea.
Two couples feature: young new loves Bev (Catherine Kinsella) and Dave (Richard Oldham) along with long-termers Alison (Kate Coogan) and Chris (Stuart Wade) for whom the spark has long since faded. Adrian Bouchet plays Tony, the super stud/instructor who bumps into an old flame, posh jet-setting vamp Melissa (Loveday Smith). There are impressive tumbles and the odd wry smile but only the hint of infidelity ensures there’s at least a voyeuristic interest, though this never really takes a grip until the steamy sauna scene (more impressive staging).
Godber’s programme notes mention an Ayckbourn-esque backbone; possibly so, but none of the characters are particularly likeable which heightens the sense of uninvolvement, though Dave can at least lay claim to any principals that may be up for grabs.
Despite my reservations and the lack of any of the pre-publicity’s advertised riotous laughter, the audience applauded warmly at the end, and the Coliseum’s comments book reflected similar punter satisfaction. Programming for a target local audience is no bad thing if it pulls in the numbers – albeit at the cost here of dramatic regression since the two previous Coliseum productions.
Tony: Adrian Bouchet.
Alison: Kate Coogan.
Bev: Catherine Kinsella.
Dave: Richard Oldham.
Melissa: Loveday Smith.
Chris: Stuart Wade.
Director: Kevin Shaw.
Designer: Richard Foxton.
Lighting: Thomas Weir.
Sound: Lorna Munden.
Assistant director: Andrew Pollard.
2009-09-16 00:11:34