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Fringe 2006 Reviews (52)
Oedipus
By Sophocles, adapted by Andy Cargill
Sandbach Theatre School
Royal College of Physicians
***
A competent adaptation that shows the ancient tale of Oedipus with
a cast of about thirty, this show benefits from its setting in the majestic
Royal College of Physicians. If it were being staged in one of the bare-bones
'theatres' converted from others spaces around town, it would not have
had the atmosphere of Grecian columns and busts to add to the well-designed
production. Those who enjoy Greek theatre will enjoy this immensely,
and it provides a decent introduction to the genre for the uninitiated,
although at times the script could have moved things a bit faster. Good
incorporation of physical theatre and dance.
Rachel Lynn Brody
Clean Alternatives
By Brian Dykstra
Assembly at St George's West
***
Clean Alternatives comes from the same origins as Americana
Absurdum, Fatboy and Screwmachine Eyecandy. Brian
Dykstra acted in Americana Absurdum and the style has worn off
on him, as shown by this satire on globalisation, as led by the USA.
The play is at its best in the moments when the dialogue is at its
slickest and fastest. Then, it can compare with the work of Brian Parks
or CJ Hopkins. There are then complicated and unnecessary diversions
from the plot that add little but slow the pace.
The initial idea is excellent. A small company is losing money but
its big, unscrupulous rival is desperate to keep the minnow going, for
the sake of its own pollution quotas. To this end, a pair of greasily
unpleasant corporate lawyers negotiate with the female CEO, who does
a good job by doubling the bribe that they offer for her accommodation
and silence.
The plot then develops with Emily Ackerman's Jackie going into politics
on a pollution ticket. This is freshened up by her use of slam poetry
as a spoken medium. The writing of Brian Dykstra and delivery by Miss
Ackerman are both excellent in these speeches, in addition to Margaret
Perry's direction and pacing.
The play then becomes a metaphysical debate between the two lawyers,
one of whom (Mark Boyett) jumps ship and helps Jackie against the other
played by the author.
Brian Dykstra nearly pulls the trick off and this play shows great
promise early on and in the speeches. Otherwise, it would benefit from
pruning.
Phlip Fisher
Two Graves
By Paul Sellar
Pleasance Dome
**
For the first twenty minutes, Two Graves is a really novel work.
These days verse dramas are rarely written and certainly not about darts.
For some reason, after the protagonist's father is nobbled in the World
Darts Championships of 1978, the verse stops, only to be picked up in
the last few minutes.
The story is fairly routine as our anti-hero seeks vengeance for his
broken dad amongst the gangster types of the East End.
He takes on the old man's debts and is forced to work with a bunch
of heartless crooks to pay his way. Eventually, in a Dick Francis turn,
he gambles all on a horse, following an inside tip that was never going
to come off.
The denouement gives him (and the audience) satisfaction, but only
after a long spell in jail.
Two Graves is a really original work for as long as the verse
and the darts last. This is in part a testament to a strong performance
from Jonathan Moore, who exudes menace as well as a degree of bemusement.
The plot thereafter says little that has not been seen and heard in
gangster movies or TV shows, which is a real pity, after such a promising
opening.
Philip Fisher
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