Blue explores the effects of depression. The script and direction by Heather Dunmore is harrowing and successfully conveys the bleakness of depression. It is a play that is absolutely true to life and pulls no punches in portraying the black depths of mental illness.

The piece follows Leo, a doctor, as he battles with crippling panic attacks and an eventual breakdown. To do this it jumps back and forth in time which at first is very confusing but does eventually become clearer. It is helped by a consistently excellent performance by Richard Ward who is just as convincing playing a six-year-old as he is playing an old man. He immediately engages, and evokes the feeling of every emotion experienced by his character. June Garland is very good as Mother, a character who at first provides light relief but slowly reveals a back story that is just as depressing as Leo's. Here lies a problem with the play: it is just too harrowing. The script is so relentlessly bleak and upsetting that even the semi-happy ending can't make up for it. At times it is unbearable to watch.

Michael Curran gives a good performance as a series of therapists. His diverse accents are convincing, and he brings some (much-needed) light relief. Emma Webb as Rachel seems an odd choice for Leo's wife - she is young enough to be his daughter - and this leads to confusion towards the start of the play as to her character. The understated set and lighting is used very effectively and, combined with the strong performances, it is easy to imagine the world that the play is set in. Costumes are also well thought through - the therapist costumes in particular are outlandish and delightful. Overall, this is a truly cathartic play which benefits from a strong script married with equally strong performance.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Michael Curran - Hypnotherapist / Art Therapist. June Garland - Mother. Jenny Johns - Frances / Patient / Nurse. Richard Ward - Leo. Emma Webb - Rachel.

Company Credits: Writer - Heather Dunmore. Director - Heather Dunmore. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technician - Mike Ward. Producer - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. With Thanks To - Oxfordshire Theatre Company.

END

(c) Matthew Rose 2010

reviewed Wednesday 07 April 2010 / Old Fire Station, Oxford, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2010

www.fringereport.com