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Nudge
Verdict: Behind the comedy mask
Two nutty comedians live together, their career abandoned. They discover a smelly old comedy legend living next door. Can they restore him and themselves to glory? Nudge is 50 minutes of light drama with inherent comedy, from a cast of 3.
The set is the kitchen of comics Matt (Matt Holt) & Lamont (James Lamont). It's not clean, but compared to the tramp's unseen adjacent flat, it's pristine. When their neighbour collapses, they pop him into a wooden trunk for dispatch to an old people's home.
Which is where the magic starts, because they've unknowingly boxed-up renowned escapologist Cecil Devereaux (Charlie Chuck) - with unforseen results.
Time's running short to get ready for the May Day Mirth Match. Matt & Lamont are out of practice, and Cecil Devereaux is out of this world.
James Lamont produces a lively and well-meaning Lamont, driven by a passion for dancing goats and a sweet-natured lack of too much brainpower. This Lamont's a bit like Winnie The Pooh, but by Samuel Beckett (whose spirit resides comfortably in Nudge). It's an engaging, graceful, gentle and vigourous portrayal, full of energy and charisma.
Matt Holt is an experienced and funny stand-up; here he has the challenge of acting one who has failed, and is mad. He creates a complex and intriguing character full of bounce, yet held back inside. He evokes a character driven by personal insecurity and a paranoia of Freemasonry, delivering an elegantly-acted performance.
Charlie Chuck is a real-life comedy legend. What he delivers here is quite different (in a character much older than himself) - a profoundly moving study of disorientated old age. Using deft touches and subtle understatement, he catches exactly the periods of sanity and the logical-sounding madness flashed up by a brain in decay. It's a gentle, charming and endearing portrayal.
Chris Lincé's script puts failure into sharp focus - how it is fed, what barriers people may erect to protect it. And how, with luck and a touch of grace, it can be overcome. And there are some great lines (Lamont: 'What's the difference between a professional and an amateur?' / Devereux: 'A professional doesn't kill any people ... until after the show').
Nudge features striking lighting from Jake Wiltshire. There's a delightful Gallic cameo from (production manager) Nic Watson as French George. Thoughtful direction is from Chris Lincé and Rohan Acharya.
Tonight's audience includes distinguished comedian and actor Alan Francis, actor Liz Bower, producer Celia Wormley, artist Holly Lucas.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Charlie Chuck (Cecil Devereaux). Matt Holt (Matt). James Lamont (Lamont).
Company Credits: Writer - Chris Lincé with Matt Holt and the company. Director - Chris Lincé, Rohan Acharya. Lighting & Sound Design / Operation - Jake Wiltshire. Original Music - Sam Fluskey and Jake Wiltshire. Production Manager - Nic Watson. Producer - UnderHand Productions.
END
John Park
reviewed Tuesday 23 June 04
This updates an earlier review 30 September 03
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
www.fringereport.com
