TWO by Jim Cartwright
review by Alan Chard
Press Release : Review
TWO by Jim Cartwright
Thursday 6 October 2011 - Saturday 29 October 2011
TWO was first produced in 1989 and has been staged more than 100 times and translated into more than 30 languages. That marks it out as a highly successful play which is part of the A-level drama syllabus as well as GCSE.
As far as the actors are concerned this is a very demanding play. Each actor has to portray no less than seven different characters during the performance.
TWO is a study of life, set in a pub and it's as relevant and vibrant as it was in 1989.
Just two actors take all the parts, that means quick changes of costume and character which were achieved very well by Kieran Buckeridge (all male parts) and Ella Vale (all female parts).
Two was staged in the round, which suited this play admirably. The set is a pub, complete with authentic deep red carpet, copper-topped tables and a motley selection of bar stools. The set starts life as a pub, so during the performance there were real glasses on some tables, adding greatly to the atmosphere. At the interval and conclusion of the performance theatre-goers could wander across and purchase their drinks from the bar - a novel and very intimate innovation that added greatly to the atmosphere and authenticity of the performance.
At times the players sit amongst the audience portraying the kinds of characters that are all-too-familiar, the older man quietly drinking on his own, an older lady taking a well-earned respite from caring for a sick husband, a control freak and a philanderer.
Lighting and sound added greatly to the atmosphere of this production, seamlessly moving from the hustle and bustle of a busy pub to the intimate one-to-one conversation between actor and audience where the player was lit by a single spotlight and heard by a totally silent audience.
This was a moving portrayal of life which literally brought tears to some of the audience. Fast moving, non-stop action from comedy to conflict on a grand scale.
A well staged and produced production, well acted.
A thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre that I heartily recommend.
Alan Chard, October 2011