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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Court Showcase 2005
Verdict: Drama shorts
An exuberant ensemble kicks off this impressive showcase with Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now - without sounding or looking like rejects from Fame.
A snag of showcases can be the need to act, sing, dance and do just about anything to prove the extent of each unique talent. Today it’s avoided by a talented cast, creatively directed by June Abbott.
There’s a strong performance of The Devil’s Advocate by stunning actor Iris Veneti – vocally assured and confident. Kim Butson’s monologue from Picasso At The Lapin Agile shows ownership of theatrical space – with gifted verbal and physical delivery.
There’s a deliciously funny duologue So Tell Me About This Guy, performed with naturalistic fervour by Babita Pohoomull and Geraldine Porterfield. This talented naturalistic command also lights up Babita Pohoomull’s later monologue An Arab Woman Speaks - showing empathy with character and circumstance.
The imposing presence of Nick Nevern’s Hippolytus is vocally engaging - though it lacks context viewed in isolation. Nick Nevern excels in the superb duologue Been So Long with Kim Butson. It’s fine writing and two impeccable performances about relationships, peppered with an air of vocal physicality.
Rachel Permutt does an extract from The Perfect Boyfriend. The choice of material seems right for this actor, but fails to fully engage her. There seems a lack of awareness, and a need for greater character detail – the same applies to her duologue Monster (performed with Esther Luca). But her reticence disappears in a hilarious send-up of the musical Annie. It’s a triumph of comic ingenuity and timing. Musical director Gary Williams excels here and generally – in supporting the showcase and being a key player in its success.
Delightful character actor Pearl Marsland does a scene from A Vicarage Tea Party with Heledd Hart. Pearl Marsland’s characterisation is crisply believable in an exceptional performance. It would have been interesting to see her play against type rather than in similar delivery in White Liars. Heledd Hart gives a slightly nervous performance, but seems more confident in A Prayer For Wings.
Sascha Cooper delivers monologues from It’s Only A Dance and The Shape Of Things. The exuberance and energy of her performance often outweigh the need to pace and allow the audience to hook in – but hint at an exciting and thrilling talent. It would have been interesting to see her in a duologue, rather than in isolation.
Tall and handsome Ethan Reed excels in both his simple but elegantly-controlled Mr Cellophane and monologues The Boys Next Door and First Love. Whilst the choice of characters appears to be subservient, it allows his ability to convey sensitivity and vulnerability to shine. Ethan Reed’s physical awareness and almost balletic poise are distinctive – certainly a talent to watch.
Meg Meagher and Iris Veneti perform DVLA Tyrant - a piece about the frustration of technology. Iris Veneti creates a ferocious monster - a fine piece of acting with powerful presence. Meg Meagher shows a clear gift for comedy in this piece, and in her monologue Topless.
Geraldine Porterfield’s Madame Bovary is suitably flighty and erotic. The hard-hitting and challenging Two is performed with strong commitment and dignity by Esther Luca - a very moving performance.
As finale, the whole cast gives a tongue-in-cheek musical tribute to Doris Day. It’s a delightfully chirpy number, and today’s audience claps and cheers the company - an informative, entertaining and highly enjoyable showcase.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Kim Butson. Sascha Cooper. Heledd Hart. Esther Luca. Pearl Marsland. Meg Meager. Nick Nevern. Rachel Permutt. Geraldine Porterfield. Babita Pohoomull. Ethan Reed. Iris Veneti.
Company Credits: Director – June Abbott. Musical Director – Gary Williams. Stage Managers – Caroline Jones, Martyn Hill, Henrianna Sena.
END
(c) Mike Miller 2005
reviewed 27 April 05 / Courtyard Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
