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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Babies
Verdict: A different teacher
A 2 hour play with 15 minute interval. There's a a cast of 13 (6M, 7F).
Being ‘different’ at school is never easy. Presumably the only sure-fire path to playground acceptance is to do whatever practicable to blend in with everyone else?
But what if you’re the teacher - and you’re the ‘different’ one? Do you confront the inevitable humiliation, offering students a new way of thinking? Or do you hide behind a sham normality and hope the truth never outs?
Jonathan Harvey’s semi-autobiographical tale of sexuality and preconceived judgements explores teacher Joe’s existence as an accepted straight bloke in the classroom, and as one half of a gay couple battling with prejudice problems and drug destructiveness at home. Throw in a pupil’s 14th birthday party, a drunken young widow determined to prove she is still sexy, a kinky gay uncle and a bunch of hormone-ravaged teenagers and the result is an explosive mix of shock, comedy and nostalgia.
Nadine Hanwell’s adaptation of this portrayal of life in early 90s south east London is crammed into the tiny space at Barons Court Theatre and makes the most of oppressive proximity in an attempt to pull the audience into the action. Shopping trolleys and wheelchairs trundle uncomfortably close to hastily retracted feet.
Basic resourcefulness with minimal props succeeds in keeping the stage uncluttered – which is essential at this venue - regardless of scenes in unruly classrooms or at family parties.
Perhaps such suggestive spatial freedom could allow for opportunities to witness compelling performances layered with emotion and drive, seizing the audience’s interest. However, this story is presented with unchallenging, passionless clarity and many internal conflicts and inter-character battles are merely hinted at, not seeming sufficiently explored to merit their eventual resolutions.
Maybe on a larger, less spectator-confrontational stage there would be more room for voyeurism and to witness unspoken dialogue. And although Rachid Sabitri’s fight scene can’t fail to shock in absolute contrast to the more placid atmosphere of the rest of the play, and in obvious propinquity to the audience, its energy is too late in the proceedings.
Samuel Metcalf’s Joe is earnest and meticulous and manages to retain audience attention even after some extensively clumsy scene changes. Jemma Elder plays Vivian with much theatricality, and is a plausible widow bitter at herself and her lot.
Mark Curtis uniquely captures the audience’s hearts with David’s inner battle of what he wants to say and what’s expected of him, leaving everyone genuinely moved, and charmed, by this hormone- and morality-fuelled young man fraught with teen hormones and issues of morality.
Ana Leon plays Sonia Sweeney as an individually comical character, adding a welcome – but strangely out of place - humorous edge to this production.
Emma Horne captures the teen angst of Manda attempting to make sense of her tumultuous life, and Annabelle Roberts as Tammy is a very convincing 14-year-old coming to terms with her rise into adulthood. Sarah-Jane Anderson (Kelly), John Trindle (Richard) and Claire Houlton (Simone / Gemma) are somewhat caricatured and occasionally endearing schoolchildren trying desperately to be adults.
Jean Christie is interesting both as meddlesome Valerie and comatose Ivy.
Jamie Vaughan captures the brutish qualities in Kenny, Christopher Kouros is intriguing as Ernie and startling as the Drag Queen; and James Devereaux as Woody helps add realism and motivation to the character of Joe.
The abrupt ending of the play leaves an interesting query about who are the true ‘Babies’ of the title? The teenagers, hormone-powered and eager to push into adulthood? Or the adults – still narrow-minded and scared of confrontation. Have they actually grown up at all?
Nadine Hanwell’s production might entice fans of Shameless - those with a penchant for gritty dramas centring on real-life issues and laced with comedy - yet surely anything tagging along behind such well-crafted excellence can only end in disappointment?
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Kelly – Sarah-Jane Anderson. Valerie / Ivy – Jean Christie. David – Mark Curtis. Woody – James Devereaux. Vivian Williams – Jemma Elder. Manda Williams – Emma Horne. Simone / Gemma – Claire Houlton. Ernie / Drag Queen – Christopher Kouros. Sonia Sweeney – Ana Leon. Joe Casey – Samuel Metcalf. Tammy Williams – Annabelle Roberts. Richard – John Trindle. Kenny Figaro – Jamie Vaughan.
Company Credits: Writer - Jonathan Harvey. Director – Nadine Hanwell. Lighting / Sound – Jess Jenkins. Fight Director – Rachid Sabitri.
END
(c) Holly Davis 2005
reviewed Wednesday 15 March 05 / Barons Court
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
