Two is an ingeniously written play by Jim Cartwright set in a Northern pub. The action centres on the constant bickering between landlord and landlady and the interesting - and at times amusing - characters they come across. The set consists of a couple of chairs and an Ikea-type bookcase wrapped in black material, which is on the verge of breaking down throughout the production. Props are used sparsely and sporadically with seemingly no rationale. At times a few plastic glasses are used; the rest of the time props are mimed - to different degrees of success.

Hannah Eshraghi and Ciaran Price deliver honest performances of the landlord and landlady, though they both seem to struggle with truthfully creating the imaginary customers of the pub. In the final scene, both actors are given a real opportunity to shine when their characters deal with a decade of pain and tragic memories - it is seized with with great energy and passion, though perhaps with too much shouting.

Alec Taylor delivers a sweet portrayal of the Old Man remembering his wife, and an equally moving performance as henpecked Mr Iger. Joe Woodhouse and Kate Samways are amusing and charming as awkward couple Maudie and Moth, evoking great rapport. Jack Rhys Davis and Kate Benfield deliver passionate and unnervingly truthful performances as unpleasant, intimidating Roy and his downtrodden wife, Lesley. Mo Bennalicik and Millie Schurch deliver a warm portrayal of comical Elvis-loving-couple Alice and Fred. Two - Free is performed with a great sense of ensemble work; though at times, inconsistency weakens the overall production.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Kate Benfield - Lesley. Mo Bennalicik - Alice. Beth Collins - Old Woman / Boy. Jack Rhys Davis - Roy. Hannah Dell - Woman. Hannah Eshraghi - Landlady. Lucy Fairburn - Mrs Iger. Matt King - Landlord. Ciaran Price - Landlord. Kate Samways - Maudie. Millie Schurch - Fred. Alec Taylor - Old Man / Mr Iger. Joe woodhouse - Moth.

Company Credits: Writer - Jim Cartwright. Director - Nikki Cavill. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Act One & Laughing Horse Free Festival. Act One is Cardiff University's drama society.

END

(c) Trine Garrett 2008

reviewed Friday 22 Aug 08 / Laughing Horse @ Espionage, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com