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drinks Monday 2 June 08
The Therapists
Verdict: Psychiatric comedy
Brighton - New Venture Theatre - 23-28 May 06 - 19:45
Andy Thomas - writer, director and lead of The Therapists - assembles a stellar cast to re-define psychiatry and past-life regression in a play that examines - among other topics, and in a song that introduces the mad-capery - what condition a condition is in. It also examines present-day Brighton and Brightonians' participation in World War Two.
The first part presents a lovable pair of vaudevillian chancers more qualified to design toys for the elderly than listen to patients. It's time for desperate measures –the landlord and air-raid warden are knocking on the door. Both are dynamically portrayed by Jonny Hume, getting every possible laugh.
Part two moves to war-time Brighton. Edna is a bride, engagingly acted by Katie Scarfe, who enrichs the part with the warmth of her presence. Robert Maloney plays Charles with comic delivery and authority worthy of a master hypnotist. With a subtle change of gender and class, the two failed psychiatrists go back 60 years to live precarious war-time lives in a much worthier frame of mind than their 21st Century selves.
The writer may be underlining morals - and does not hesitate to point out the impossibility of imagining two men cohabiting in that era. But when they are on the point of finding love with each other, the script quickly saves them by whisking them back into being shoddy business partners.
New Venture Theatre members are creating contemporary works with the kind of risk that makes good viable adventurous theatre. It's one of the few places where new writers can get their work produced and hone their craft. If Andy Thomas is cheating the circuit of a stand-up, New Venture Theatre is reaping the benefit.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Laura Bennett. Jonny Hume. Robert Maloney. Jim Polkey-Calderwood. Katie Scarfe. Andy Thomas.
Company Credits: Writer - Andy Thomas. Director - Andy Thomas. Production Manager - Alicia Beckles-Varga. Stage Manager - Chris Nunn. Directorial Advisor - Eleanor Gamper. Additional Material by - Robert Maloney & the cast. Costume Design - Jackie Adam, Gladrags. Lighting Design and Operation - Louise Sidgwick, Sam Wilkinson. Lighting Advice – Louise Gregory. Sound Design - Jim Polkey-Calderwood. Production Assistant – Carley Brice. Transition Manager - Richard Gamper. Properties - Trish Bayliss. Poster Design - Tim Seelig. Programme - Tamsin Fraser. Diary - Caroline Blick. Photography - Strat Mastoris. Presented by - The New Venture Theatre.
END
(c) eliza wyatt 2006
reviewed Friday 26 May 06 / New Venture Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
