Tours: THE OVERCOAT. To 25 April.

Coventry/London/Plymouth.

THE OVERCOAT
inspired by the short story The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol.

Gecko and Lyric Hammersmith tour to 25 April 2009.
Thur - Sat 8pm. Suitable ages 12+.
Runs: 1hr 10min No interval.

TICKETS: 0161 274 0600.
www.contact-theatre.org
Review: Stoon 5 March 2009 at Contact Theatre Manchester.

Rags to Riches, or vice versa.
Part way, we hear one of the cast say “I’m Sorry”. This is significant for two reasons: it’s the only spoken dialogue in English throughout the piece; and dependant upon your viewpoint, it could be taken as an apology to the audience.

A 30 minute delay to proceedings at The Contact is almost a positive joy. It’s a venue with a unique vibe, so hanging around is a pleasure. Things start atmospherically with a bit of live keyboard twinkling by a lone figure…xylophone not ivories…then we’re thrown into a madcap wedding celebration. It’s a right old Cossack knees-up, quite manic and breathless with wonderful slick physical movement and expression from a talented cast. Taste buds have indeed been whetted - unfortunately, way before the end they’re parched beyond redemption.

Next we’re in a cold, dark, uninviting room, bedsit hell and home to impoverished clerk Akaky, hero of the tale, a place where nightmares literally breed as he sleeps, watched over by a creepy piece of Adams Family real-life art. We then see him in a huge government department where he’s toiled for years; set and lighting are imaginative and portray the endless sprawling layers of bureaucracy excellently.

So what’s the problem? Well, though knowledge of French & Italian would add to the enjoyment of the otherwise incomprehensible dialogue, this is physical theatre, with a company capable of conveying sense and meaning. Unfortunately the music destroys any attempt they make; it dominates, detracts and seems at odds with what’s taking place. The government office reminded me briefly of Metropolis, yet the chance to create a feel of soul-destroying tedium was blown, with music akin to ‘Putting on The Ritz’. It felt more like watching Philip Marlow in his office. Later there’s something that sounds like painful Whale Song. After 45 minutes the senses feel bludgeoned and past caring.

Throughout, the characters are never left in peace and it becomes stylish conceptual stuff with annoyingly little substance. Granted Gogol’s story gives licence to create a fairytale, but this feels like arts for art’s sake going noisily nowhere and failing to entertain.

Cast:
Natalie Ayton, Amit Lahav, Robert Luckay, Dave Price, François Testory, Sirena Tocco, Tom Wu.

Director: Amit Lahav.
Designer: Ti Green.
Lighting: James FarncombeSound: Dan Steele.
Original music: Dave Price.
Assistant director: Rich Rusk.

2009-03-08 20:41:28