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Andy’s Promise
Verdict: Sharp brother-rivalry play
Edinburgh 06 - C central - 6-28 August 06 - 13:30 (0:50)
Brothers (and sisters) will always fight and squabble. But what happens when spite and jealousy take hold?
It’s dad’s birthday. Older brother Tony offers to pay for dad’s present - if Andy swears on their mum’s life, not to lie for a week. Foolishly Tony agrees - with disastrous results.
Tony isn’t as bright as his younger brother. Andy has a girlfriend, Vanessa. Tony doesn’t. In his eyes, Andy is favoured by the parents. Tony is manipulative, and orchestrates situations where Andy either has to lie or tell the truth. When Andy tells a white lie to their autistic sister, Isabel, mum collapses in the kitchen. Andy is convinced it’s because of him.
Andy sticks to his promise, and relationships crumble. When he confronts Tony about feeling guilty, he is horrified that his Tony refuses to accept his part in the situation, and maintains that it is Andy’s problem - not his.
Tony is not content with his brother’s guilt. He instigates a situation when they visit their mother in hospital - which makes it impossible for Andy to tell the truth. There is a shocking ending.
Writer Edward Beresford's script shows an acute understanding of teens between school and university - and their inability to understand how to get out of awkward situations, or the consequences. The play is funny - and moving. Characters interact like typical teenagers. Parents of these may relate to the constant bickering, mutual winding-up - and the drivel that comes from teenage mouths.
Helena Zara is superb as Isabel, with her characterisation of an adult with a child’s mind. James Johnson’s Andy hits the mark, even to his nervousness when explaining how he feels towards Vanessa. Ed Clifton’s gifted delivery of Tony makes him seem nice; and once his Tony starts his spiteful manipulation, even his innocent look becomes flawed. Andy’s Promise is a sharp, observational, and well-crafted piece of theatre.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Dad – Michael Butterworth. Tony – Ed Clifton. Vanessa – Primrose Dixon. Mum – Rachel Gay. Andy - James Johnson. Miss MacAulay – Serena Whitefield. Isabel – Helena Zara.
Company Credits: Writer – Edward Beresford. Directors – Edward Beresford, Louisa Kirkness. Assistant Producers – Meg Barnard, Jen Murray. Lights – Alex Brackfield. Costumes – NUTS. Company – Newcastle University Theatre Society (NUTS). Producer – Paul Black.
END
(c) Lea Harris 2006
reviewed 24 August 06 / C central
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2010
