SEMBLANCE OF MADNESS. To 15 February.

London

SEMBLANCE OF MADNESS
by John H. Newmier

Etcetera Theatre To 15 February 2004
Tue-Sat 7.30pm Sun 6.30pm Mat Sat 2.30pm
Runs 55min No interval

TICKETS: 020 7482 4857
Review: Hugh Allison

Not an easy watch but stays in the mind.Semblence Of Madness is one of those thought-provoking plays that is deceptively deeper than one may imagine. The premise is that the audience are trying to figure out which characters work as psychiatrists, and which are patients. (Theoretically, there are two of the latter, and one of the former, but I am not so sure. It caused an interesting discussion, as all three actresses have moments of madness, opening up various interpretations).

The cast themselves are also unsure, as I discovered in an exclusive interview following the performance. Jo Arber (the emotional wannabe dancer, Dawn Bishop) said she is uncertain whether the ending itself is a lie. Arber's a fine actress; apparently so in touch that she got drawn to tears during the rehearsal process, something her character is also likely to do.

Kathryn O'Reilly brings such depth to her character, Jones, that you truly are never sure if she is aware she is lying, or if she genuinely thinks she is someone else. As Jones intimidates Bishop, one can feel the whole audience being drawn in, also becoming scared of O'Reilly's impressive stage presence.

And one immediately feels sorry for poor Hannah (Toni Darlow), stuck between the warring factions, trying to stick up for Bishop, but only making the situation worse. Strong but vulnerable, Darlow brings warmth to the piece, amongst the stresses, the truths, the lies, the occasional hilarity and the eternal poignancy.

There are few props or stage furniture, adding to the realism, as well as keeping the focus on the cast. Likewise, there aren't many sound effects, or light changes, except for a clever light/sound combo at each end of the piece, used to imply a heartbeat/pulse effect, reminiscent of Poe's The Telltale Heart. This brought out the pain, the fear, and even the madness, reflected in the eyes of all three actresses.

Hannah Corbin: Toni Darlow
Margaret Jones: Kathryn O'Reilly
Dawn Bishop: Jo Arber

Director: Nic Paris

2004-02-14 10:13:17