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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Tea Without Mother
Verdict: Looking for the key
Edinburgh 05 - Bedlam Theatre - 17.00 (35mins)
A butler called Johnson, a girl called Steve, a son called Lambert and a man called Raven. And Mother. What are they looking for?
Steve, Johnson and Raven wait for the arrival of Lambert and Mother. Lambert enters dragging a trolley on which a TV is balancing on a suitcase. He plugs in the TV, and mother joins them, staring into space from behind the screen. She says nothing - but communicates to them through Lambert, her son. Mother lies, but do they realise that? Perhaps Steve does. She takes Lambert off for tea.
Ever-proper Johnson and twitchy Raven unplug Mother and move her to another point. This happens every time Lambert leaves. Each time he returns he catches them.
They are all seeking a key, except mother, who is the key. The butler is looking for the key of excellent service. Raven is looking for the key of climate control - because there isn’t any weather. Steve may have found the key. And Lambert wants the key to what?
It’s comical and there are moments in the performance when any mother will recognise the panic of a child’s voice having night terrors. Excellently performed - but don’t expect to come away with any clear idea what it's about. It all made perfect sense at the time.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Raven - Joe Mapson. Steve - Lynette Oakley. Lambert - Mark Stephens. Johnson - Anna Stewart.
Company Credits: Written and directed by the cast. Lighting design - Joe Mapson. Company - Petit Four.
END
(c) Lea Harris 2005
reviewed 19 August 2005 / Bedlam Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
