Catalysta is a 90-minute one-act feelgood drama with a capable cast. It's an old-fashioned story of a family in crisis. The fact that it happens in Grenada, after the country has been swept by Hurricane Ivan, is almost irrelevant. It's a simple tale of good winning out; of a family whose members have to make difficult decisions to survive.

Three generations live together - granddaughter Connie (La-Charne Jolly), mother Pat (Lisa Davina Phillip) and father Lionel (Cornell S John), grandparents Eartha (Carmen Munroe) and Edward (Cedric Henderson Duncan). Tensions - those of a typical family - are legion, but all of them spring from the fact that Lionel, a devoted father, is also a waster. He is content to rely on hand-outs from his parents-in-law. Catalysta (Angela Wynter), Eartha's younger sister, visits from England. As her name suggests, she is the catalyst - for some volatile chemistry. The play's fairytale simplicity doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment, encouraging gasping and cheering almost like a pantomime. Allister Bain's script flirts recklessly with melodrama, but is supremely skilful in keeping always just on its respectable edge.

There is a full set, with actors in costume. The play takes more account of television production values than those of contemporary theatre. It has an emphasis on entertainment and enjoyment. Catalysta's role is written for someone with presence - Angela Wynter fully lives up to that expectation. But there is good playing everywhere. Cornell S John is a big, lugubrious and physical presence as Lionel. Carmen Munroe squeezes every ounce of affectionate sympathy for the busy, caring grandmother. There may be sometimes a little too much schmaltz. There may be a few too many homely pieces of advice, but it's a play from which everyone can go home happy

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Cedric Henderson Duncan – Edward. La-Charne Jolly - Connie. Cornell S John - Lionel. Carmen Munroe - Eartha. Lisa Davina Phillip - Pat. Angela Wynter - Catalysta.

Company Credits: Writer - Allister Bain. Director - Robert Icke. Designer - Rhys Jarman. Production Manager - Andrew Williams. Lighting Designer - Michael Nabarro. Lights and Sound Operator - Stuart McKean. Costume Assistant - Polly Laurence. Publicity - Debbie Vannozzi. PR - Martin Shippen. Producer - Sarah Moore. Company - uncredited.

END

(c) Michael Spring 2008

reviewed Thursday, 23 Oct 2008 / Oval House, London

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com