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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Scratch
Verdict: Lock, Stock and Eldorado
London - White Bear Theatre - 23 May to 11 June 06 - 19:30
Scratch is a new play by Zoë Simon, set in the back of a betting shop in Kennington, South London. It runs for 1h 15 minutes with no interval and has a cast of four (3M 1F).
Daisy runs the betting shop following her father's death. Her relationship with married older man Jay is a constant power struggle. Reg, an old friend of Daisy's father and a supposed big-time local gangster, struggles with his own love for Daisy and a desire to see her happy. The three debate the rights and wrongs of violence following two attacks in the local area - a man kicked to death and a bomb in the Elephant and Castle shopping centre. A fourth character, Charlie, hovers in the background.
Although it's hard to miss Charlie in his unrealistic fat suit, he initially seems to be a harmless simpleton, eating cakes in the corner. He later emerges as an integral part of the downfall of most of the characters.
Zoë Simon's dialogue is unfortunately over-dramatised by all the actors, giving the play a feeling of Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels mixed with Eldorado.
The play is fairly static. Characters linger around two benches and a stool telling anecdotes about violent crimes, or discussing why they should care about others' misfortune. There's some action after about 45 minutes (as Charlie opens the floodgates) but it's too little too late.
Angela Bull (Daisy) has obvious talent, but doesn't fit into her anorexic-wannabe-actress-turned-bad character too well. Jay (Adam Napier) has moments of charm but is unconvincing in his earlier compassion for others which quickly fades when a violent act is brought to his own doorstep. The love/hate relationship between him and Daisy lacks authenticity. The final scene seems unbelievable, as it's the last thing either would surely want. Brad Shaw fits well into the role of Reg, but stumbles over his lines a number of times. Richard Latham (Charlie) gives an outstanding performance - sadly the only highlight of the show.
Jessamy Willson Pepper's set is detailed and convincing, but not explored fully through Peter Craze's direction or by the actors. The sound score - by Brad Shaw and Jonathan Simon - is powerful, and sets the right atmosphere.
Zoë Simon's attempt to identify the moralistic justification for violence is an interesting, and at times poignant, theme. But the repetition of dialogue, regular sexual displays and constant use of swearwords are unnecessary - and unsuccessful - attempts to keep the piece provocative. By hammering home an already obvious concept, they sacrifice any power the play might have had.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Angela Bull - Daisy. Richard Latham - Charlie. Adam Napier - Jay. Brad Shaw - Reg. Voice Overs (alpha order): Peter Craze, Sarah Day, William Hartley.
Company Credits: Director - Peter Craze. Producer - Skin and Bone Theatre. Writer - Zoë Simon. Set Design, Props & Costume - Jessamy Willson Pepper. Set Construction - Richard Latham & Jessamy Willson Pepper. Stage Management - Candice La Touche. Lighting Design - Bertilla Spoletto. Sound Design - Brad Shaw & Jonathan Simon. Fight Choreography - Angela Bull. White Bear: Artistic Director - Michael Kingsbury.
END
(c) Lydia Fraser-Ward 2006
reviewed Thursday 1 June 06 / White Bear
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
