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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
4Play
Verdict: Love, fantasy and desire
Edinburgh 04 - Venue 231, 1 Royal Terrace - 15-21 Aug 04
4Play is a drama with inherent comedy. It's about love between men and women. It's in 2 acts and lasts about 2 hours including an interval.
Natalie's having an affair with married accountant Brian. As a fantasy they like to pretend to be secret agent Brad Reed and his Russian nemesis Natasha. In reality, Brian Rose is an accountant. His wife Carol is now in a wheelchair. Brian's secretary is unstable Emma, whose obsession is Robert Powell. Natalie's a shop assistant. Her two confidants are gay American flatmate Daniel, and psychiatrist Dr Madson. What's going to happen when Carol finds out about her affair with Brian? Natalie is possibly dangerously unstable. It could be murder - at the very least. Or is everything, even remotely, as it seems?
The play's territory is fantasy, specifically the day-dreams, emotional and sexual games that offer release from everyday constraints. Brian and Natasha take the art-form of imaginary existence and create from it a world - from which either one or the other doesn't always want to come back.
Eddie Coleman's clever script bristles with good lines. Brian's office may seem old-fashioned - man in charge, secretary bringing him tea, and not a computer in sight; but like each of the oddities along the way, there's a reason. 4Play is a cunning piece of plotting, with enjoyable pacing, twists and a fine denouement.
The play works from the combination of a well-constructed, clever script, and a pair of remarkable actors (who play all the parts).
Christopher Dane captures the essence of Brian, Daniel and quirky shrink Dr Madson, and 'acts' (in Brian's fantasy) secret agent Brad Reed with a fine spoof of Sean Connery. His Brian's believable as a sexually-enhanced accountant troubled with guilt, and enflamed with illicit desire. It's a witty performance packed with charm.
Jane Dodd puts in a sparkling performance, flitting gracefully from one extreme character to the next. She's disabled Carol, rather frighteningly psychotic Natalie, bonkers Emma and fake-Russian Natasha. Her delivery is always emotionally convincing. It's also delightfully playful and kittenish, with lots of teasing sexuality.
The sound and choice of soundtracks is particularly good, by Yvonne Gilbert. Lily Ann Green directs the play with a clear understanding of the requirements of its lively and unusual script.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Christopher Dane (Brad, Brian, Daniel, Dr Madson). Jane Dodd (Carol, Emma, Natalie, Natasha).
Company Credits: Director - Lily Ann Green. Writer - Eddie Coleman. Technical Operators (London) - Margaret Hyndman, Steven Hyndman. Lighting designer - Emma Wilson. Sound designer - Yvonne Gilbert. Company - White Whine Productions. Original music The 4Play Fandango written & performed by Karen Bates & Andrew Ingham - produced and recorded by John Hoare.
Thanks to: Jude Chalk, Keith Syrett, Debbie Syrett, Mike Coleman, Diane Coleman. Tower Theatre - Bill Leahy & Annie O'Donnell. Sadler's Wells Theatre Events Department - Helena Wright, Tessa Conway-Holland, Mickella Lewis. Sadler's Wells Theatre Stage Door & Security Staff - Naomi, Pat, Roger. Muriel Vaughan-Williams. Metropolitan Books, Exmouth Market. British Red Cross, Dalton Lane, Hackney - Laura Brennan. Bunnyfoot Universality - Dr Jon Dodd & Robert Stevens. Fontaine Dry Cleaning, St John Street.
END
John Park
reviewed Tuesday 11 November / Hen & Chickens Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
