Knives in Hens takes place in a rural community in Scotland, some time in the first half of the 19th Century. Village ploughman Pony William (Chris Starkie) is not long married to his young wife (Charlie Mudie), but still he seems to be spending rather too much time with his horses and - mysteriously - his wife is not allowed to visit the stables.

There is something odd too, about miller Gilbert Horn (James Robinson) who is hated by the village. This is possibly for his privileged position, possibly too for his learning - which enables him at least to read and write. Then Pony William sends his wife to the mill with corn to be ground.

There's an odd atmosphere about this play. Nothing is very specific. There are a lot of conversations which ought to lead somewhere and don't, and sometimes the psychology that leads these characters to act as they do seems to be lacking. But there is a kind of elemental rhythm about it that does make it interesting, and gives an impression of what living there and at that time might have been like.

Charlie Mudie carries off the curious young wife who is fascinated by life, living and knowledge with a good deal of style. She is well supported by James Robinson and Chris Starkie, whose characters perhaps represent intelligence on the one hand and physical being on the other. David Alcorta's lighting gives everything a sense of claustrophobia, and Ben Gerlis's simple set - bed and mill office - reinforces that.

There is a lot of pressure on the actors. Clothes come on and off at regular intervals, which always makes things difficult, and sometimes Emma Faulkner's direction seems a little too fussy about everything that is trying to be achieved.

David Harrower's script is reluctant to get to the point at times. Sometimes when it does, it doesn't really reach the fever pitch of excitement that might have been expected. Still, this is an interesting play - well performed, but perhaps needing a little tightening-up in terms of script and the balance of its ideas.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Charlie Mudie - Young Woman. James Robinson - Gilbert Horn. Chris Starkie - Pony William.

Company Credits: Writer - David Harrower. Director - Emma Faulkner. Set and Costume Designer - Ben Gerlis. Lighting Designer - David Alcorta. Sound Designer - Edward Lewis. Technical Operator - uncredited. Costume Supervisor - Kate Rigby. Stage Manager - Aimee Hulme. Producer - uncredited. Company - uncredited.

END

(c) Michael Spring 2009

reviewed Tuesday 23 June 2009 / Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com