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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Mrs Darling’s Bed 'n' Board
Verdict: Homoerotic wartime drama
Manchester – Zion Arts Centre 13 June 06
New York Fringe – August 2006
Mrs Darling’s Bed 'n' Board is a striking tale of war-torn London and those struggling to survive among the remains. There is a complex and erotic game between a landlady and her troubled tenant over a new arrival, a wounded soldier. It is about finding unexpected love in the darkest hour.
The play has the magic three - sensational script, sensitive and understated direction, powerfully enchanting cast. Writer Karlton Parris creates a bold, dark tale magically interlaced with everyday comedy. The characters have secrets that play havoc with their minds while they cope with the war and yet, there’s laughter. Karlton Parris captures, with clever manipulation of language, the sad humour that makes people human and - during the war - very British.
The play is filled with homo-erotica. There is frequent full-on nudity - but with taste and necessity. Soldiers Mr Levi Shirley (Kenny De Marco) and Mr Wilfred (Pierce Starre) discover love. The scenes between them are handled delicately, passionately and tastefully. Kenny De Marco, as the confused, wounded soldier - the more understated character of the three - conveys a nervous energy waiting for release in a mature performance. Pierce Starre is spectacular as emotionally-scarred Mr Wilfred. Heartache and turmoil stream relentlessly from him, even when he is toying with Mr Shirley in a playfully camp way, his blue eyes intense. Charismatic and eye-catching Wendy Laurence-James (Mrs Darling) captures the earthy, down trodden strength of a woman who lives on former glories to get through the moment. She brings a powerful presence to each minute, calculated gesture and inflection of her voice.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Kenny De Marco – Mr Shirley. Wendy Laurence-James – Mrs Darling. Pierce Starre – Mr Wilfred
Company Credits: Writer and Director – Karlton Parris. Lighting and Sound – Simon Dalton. Set – Skint Productions. Press and Marketing – John Last.
END
(c) Jemma Gross 2006
reviewed Saturday 3 June 06 / Barons Court Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
