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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Scotch And Water
Verdict: Alcohol's shattered dreams
Scotch and Water examines the hope and despair of the alcoholic.
Sounds of Sinatra drift through a nicotine haze. Three men slump at a New York bar engrossed in a world of drink. A woman gazes sphinx-like. There's a sharp smack as a young man hits home a colour on the pool table. Low lights flicker; the bartender looks up. It's a Hopper painting come to life.
The camaraderie of buddies Bob and Jim - solidly played by Kit Jackson and Mitchell Mullen - belie deep-rooted anger. Banter ricochets as Bob picks on young vulnerable dreamer Timmy - sensitively portrayed by Glen Conroy. A dynamic triangle is set.
Amid the noise, old-timer Charlie - finely performed by Mike Sarne - concentrates on his scotch and water. His body beaten by addiction, Charlie ignores all. He barely speaks, except to bartender Jack (Simon Holmes). Charlie methodically sips with careful neediness. He is the personification of the lonely alcoholic. Almost out of sight and equally silent, tired and disillusioned bar owner Helen (Laura Brook) observes knowingly.
The explosive entrance of Danny (Trevor Long) disrupts the bar. Wild-eyed, high on neurosis, he unleashes hate and anger. He's walked into the wrong establishment.
A blackly comic chain of events unravels. Danny's jaded audience has heard it all. Their nonchalant reaction provokes him to violence.
Timmy cowers, his child-like personality unable to comprehend. It takes a silent Charlie to counter-point the situation in a most unexpected and painful way.
All the cast give powerful performances. Most notable is Mike Sarne's rich and raddled Charlie.
Director Simon de Deney avoids portraying one-dimensional cynicism, and steers the cast successfully through an intense range of the tired and emotional.
Scotch and Water is sharply written. Writer Brett C Leonard exposes the dark underbelly of drink. Dreams shattered - bingers, boozers, hardened drinkers all have a sorry tale. The lines are spiked with dark humour, and the actors never lose sight of compassion. The play's dysfunctional family of drinkers offers comfort from the bottom of a glass, and intelligent insight into the self -loathing reality of the alcoholic.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Glen Conroy - Timmy. Simon Holmes - Jack. Kit Jackson - Bob. Trevor Long - Danny. Mitchell Mullen - Jim. Mike Sarne - Charlie.
Company Credits: Writer - Brett C Leonard. Technical Operation - Venue Staff. Director - Simon de Deney. Venue Managers Hen & Chickens - James Wren, Felicity Wren, Louie Bayliss.
END
(c) Alana Pryce 2004
reviewed Thursday 5 August 04 / Hen & Chickens
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
