The heart-warming Absolutely Frank is a two-hander set high above Preston ring-road in a high-rise office block. Frank (Barry McCarthy) is on a precarious ledge on the outside of the building. He's a bossy, sententious worker, counter-balanced by lackadaisical, teenage apprentice Alan (Rowan Schlosberg).

As they drag a series of enormous fibreglass letters onto the ledge and use them to sit on, they reflect on words, graffiti, type-fonts, literature and meaning. Their conversations illuminate their characters and present a metaphorical window onto the world they inhabit, which rivals the giant physical one standing behind them.

This huge window is a frame to an outstanding set (by designer Rodney Ford) - visually imposing and realistically convincing. Functionally it works effortlessly with the actors, forming part of the story. It even gains rounds of applause during the play.

Barry McCarthy and Rowan Scholoberg, aided by sensitive direction from Matthew Lloyd deliver exemplary performances. Clearly the concerns Frank and Alan have over their lack of talents should not be shared by the actors playing them; even as words physically trap the protagonists in the second half, this wordy but insightful play by playwright Tim Firth is never too much for the expertise of the company.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Barry McCarthy - Frank. Rowan Schlosberg - Alan.

Company Credits: Writer - Tim Firth. Director - Matthew Lloyd. Designer - Rodney Ford. Lighting Designer - Matthew Eagland. Sound Designer - Steve Mayo. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - uncredited.

END

(c) Claudia Morcroft 2008

reviewed Tuesday 22 May 08 / Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com