Review of The Outsiders
 | "Three plays one big hit" by Graham Trelfer for remotegoat on 22/09/08 |  |
First up, 'Dummer' written by James Riches sees a struggling ventriloquist confronted by his dummy who wants to quit the act. There is some truly fantastic writing here that nails the industry and the loss of vaudeville, it is funny, (the story about the father's death was brilliant), touching and fresh. Both lead actors are brilliant, Toby Spearpoint as the deluded ventriloquist and John Trindle as the dummy whose voice is perfect and exudes more drama from a turn of his head than many actors on the fringe can muster with their whole body. A great play to start the night. *****
'Late Night Shopping' by Paula B Stanic looked at people who pick up other people in supermarkets, book shops and other assorted places. While the insight was good (i.e which book section is best.. avoid travel, it is full of students)and acting fine, the play felt slightly disjointed as it flipped from individual monologues to scenes between the characters, sometimes overhearing, sometimes invisible. ***
Finally 'For A Button' by Rachel Barnett, this play saw a woman's romantic love life crippled by her inability to go on a date if her coat was missing a button. She has practiced the right smile, picked out the right top, but the coat is still missing a button, 'what will he think'. Sam Joyce shines as the vulnerable girl doomed to a life in front of the TV because of missing buttons, however, in a journey of self discovery she learns that buttons are not everything and although the ending is predictable, the reveal is so perfectly timed that it actually surprises. ****
A great night out and what prime example of what can be pulled off with great writing and a passionate team. This marks the end of Sturdy Begger's first season and I will certainly be looking forward to what they pull out of the bag next.Add your review? Have your say, add your review
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