RAPPORT FRINGE ... MARGINAAL VERSLAG ... FRINGE BERICHT
Reviewing fringe theatre, film, art and performance in London and internationally credits
Please email your views on Fringe Report
venues
|
awards
|
interviews
|
features
|
fashion
|
newsletter
|
recipes
|
news
|
gossip
|
home
|
about
|
dublin
|
edinburgh
|
links
|
contact
|
drinks Monday 1 September 08 Edinburgh Reunion in London
Topping And Butch Hit Leicester Square 26-27 September 08
The Dumb Waiter
Verdict: Warm and subtle drama
Edinburgh 04 - Pod Deco - 14:25 (45 min)
A white room with two beds, two men, two doors, and a theatrical device. The bad news is that it's by Harold Pinter; the good news is that it's only 45 minutes; the even better news is its lovely pair of actors.
Steve Steen - the aimiably podgy actor of the two - lies on a bed reading the paper. Andy Smart - tall and distinguished-looking paces the room adjusting his shoes. There's tension, underlined by the tall man's frequent visits to the lavatory and constant nervous chatter.
The first third of the play gives few clues as to what the men are waiting for, and why they are here. When guns are produced, it's still not clear. An envelope appears - its contents add more mystery. An unexpected device appears, with messages triggering increasingly amusing situations. But they're tinged with unease, and an intangible nastiness.
Those who've suffered Pinter at school and - worse - in the theatre will delight in this fine play. The sparkle comes from astonishing performances by Andy Smart and Steve Steen - backed by a cleverly designed set that exactly fits their requirements for deft characterisation.
The play examines the relationship between the two men and theirs with the outside world; the way that employment, circumstance, and what people expect as a result of these affects how they perceive; and the grinding unpleasantness of fate.
The level of abstraction, coupled with an apparently real situation - a room and people talking logically - gives the actors an almost unlimited challenge. And they evidently love it.
Andy Smart delivers Gus with an edgy tension. Gus is not a bright man, but he has his own relentless logic. Andy Smart finds a gentle humanity for Gus, creating a roughly engaging man - someone who can be cared about.
Steve Steen's Ben is the widest of wide-boys, scheming, oily, not always as clever as he thinks. There's a bounce and dynamism, a crafty-thinking-on-his-feet quality that Steve Steen gives Ben, contrasting excellently with Andy Smart's measured and enduring Gus.
Together, the actors delight, combining to extract all the humour and menace of the play, to make a warm, subtle and exciting drama.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Andy Smart - Gus. Steve Steen - Ben.
Company Credits: Writer - Harold Pinter. Director - (Unknown - missing credits please to editor@fringereport.com). Technical Operator - Venue Staff.
END
John Park
reviewed Wednesday 11 August 04 / Pod Deco
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
