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drinks Monday 3 November 08
Oram and Meeten: Ding Dong
Verdict: Three go mad in Asda (plus baby)
Edinburgh - Pleasance Attic - August 2002
If you've ever wondered what happens backstage at the supermarket,
welcome to the unusual world of Tom, Steve, and Steve's cousin Simon. Asda was never
like this.
Here's a nude portrait of Tom (Tom Meeten) spread out in the cheese display, guiding us
through Edam, smoked cheeses, and Stilton. It's done from life, using the mirror at the
back of the marble slab. The fresh meat counter is Tom's next naked ambition.
This is Simon (Simon Farnaby), with his theory of the Orangens of the Species
(answer: prawns). A baguette dance is also involved (don't ask), and very elegant
it is too.
And here's Steve (Steve Oram), who's just been dumped by Mary. Not that he's bitter, of
course, especially as one of her dresses fits him nicely. But she still owes him £5 he
lent her, and he hasn't forgotten.
Supermarket life's enlivened by 3 German ornithologists, and Dean, who never
arrives. There's Steve's incredibly well-behaved baby, and his best mate and Northampton
darts player Alan Pike. There's the lovely Mary herself, and Tom and Steve as an Australian
dingo-dancer and his new friend.
The enigmatic figure of Paul Greaves, unseen supermarket manager, presides by voice-over.
His answerphone messages spice the action with a worrying narrative that starts with a
crate of fish and ends with disaster.
Oram, Meeten, and Farnaby deliver an excellent show that teems with fun, subtlety, and
out-loud laughter. Worth a couple of visits to pick up some of the layering to this
clever writing. Written by Oram and Meeten. Directed with finesse and a light touch
by Paul King. Technicals at preview by Rupert Lally.
END
John Park
reviewed at preview Wednesday 24 July 2002
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
