home
|
about
|
news
|
contents
|
gossip
|
photographs
|
venues
|
brighton
|
dublin
|
edinburgh
|
film
|
features
|
interviews
|
awards
|
fashion
|
recipes
|
no more drinks
|
newsletter
|
links
|
contact
Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
The Sociable Plover
Verdict: Boys and birds
London - Old Red Lion Theatre - 31 May to 18 June 05 - Tues–Sat 20:00 (21:00)
This new and inaugural production by Feather Productions is - like its title - a clever play by Tim Whitnall. A Sociable Plover, for those left wondering, is a bird - and much of this two-hander is inspired by poet John Betjeman's rhetorical question 'Who runs the country'? The answer turns out to be the Royal Society For The Protection Of Birds, whose members are behind every hedge. This inventive piece offers two men, one bird and a whole lot of trouble. The cleverness is the uncertainty of which bird is being scrutinised - until the end, which brings a glorious twist.
The first thrill of the evening is the extraordinary use of this intimate space. Designer Chrystine Bennett holds no fear in presenting an enormous bird-hut, built to look like a National Trust treasure. It is both an arena in which to observe, but more deliciously, to provide sanctuary for its resident naturalist Roy - a delightful performance by Alex Macqueen.
Equipped with suitable flask, binoculars, kitchen roll, camera, plastic vacuum-packed sandwich-box, and the all important cereal bar, Roy inhabits the hut like a bachelor pad. Roy - a Countdown reject - recites an array of various birds, whilst observing their freedom on the marshes. His meticulous eye for detail proves both impressive and irritating of character. He is only accompanied by a portrait - placed alongside his various possessions - till the unexpected arrival of Dave.
Dave - played by the writer and actor Tim Whitnall - is a seemingly lonely visitor from Suffolk, lost on the heath and needing direction. Their dialogue comes with a technical lesson both in bird-watching and male behaviour. Events develop more sadistically with news on the radio that a 'white male runs loose' on the heath - after murdering his wife and her lover.
There’s much to praise about The Sociable Plover. It is often funny, sad - and at times immensely moving. But it can descend to nothing more than a good radio play. Too often, it avoids any sense of theatrical invention. The end does deliver a desperately-awaited dramatic impact – but the clever word play can get tiresome.
The set is impressive, but it seems to restrict the two actors from any physical interaction. Much of this then becomes a listening exercise, where lack of shifts in both dramatic action and tension fail to provide a total piece of theatre.
With a tightening of direction and much greater theatrical impact, this could become an exceptional play.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Alex Macqueen – Roy. Tim Whitnall – Dave.
Company Credits: Writer - Tim Whitnall. Director - Howard Ward. Producer - Anna Murphy for Feather Productions Ltd. Design - Chrystine Bennett. Lighting Design - Alex Gill. Sound Design - JP Orr at The Showreel. Stage Manager - Susan Welch. Graphic Design - Alan Reinl. Production Photographer - Benjamin Ealovega. Publicity – Dan Pursey at Mobius Industries.
END
(c) Mike Miller 2005
reviewed Thursday 2 June 05 / Old Red Lion
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
