4 STARS, May 11-13. Fracked is an interesting and funny exploration of contemporary political themes, says Jonathan Lewis
SHAUN WEBB
Fracked, a satirical comedy, sets about exposing the risks of hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ as it is better known. For any of those still a little in the dark with the process of fracking (as I was), there’s a useful video at the beginning of the show to enlighten you.
The play, first performed at Chichester last summer, written by Alistair Beaton (TV work includes BAFTA nominated The Trial of Tony Blair and Spitting Image) and directed by Richard Wilson, focuses on the controversial process of extracting oil and gas from shale. This controversy is nicely played out in the sleepy village of Fenstock where Deerland, a corporate entity and a slick PR company are determined to put drilling pads and profit above all else. That is until they encounter the dogged determination of Elizabeth (Anne Reid) a retired academic, who rather than wile away her time playing scrabble and going for country walks riles the ‘establishment’ by trending under #dontfrackwithyourgranny.
This sets us up nicely for the David v Goliath encounter and as the play progresses our sympathies can go one way or the other. James Cotterilll’s revolving set invites us into two very different worlds. On one side we’re drawn into the clinical white office suite of PR guru, Joe (an engaging, energetic and often persuasive, Harry Hadden-Paton) plotting and blaspheming against the ‘Nimbies’ whilst his client Hal (a nicely understated performance from Michael Simpkins) believes that the only way for Britain to ‘keep the lights on’ is to let go of the old and embrace the new - even if it means the odd leakage of radioactive waste into Britain’s waters.
As the revolve turns we’re drawn into the world of Elizabeth and her loyal and supportive husband Jack (James Bolam) focusing on more mundane matters - the lack of courgettes in the shops. He’s happy to tend to his garden and occasionally escape to his local to let off a bit of steam before returning to the idyll provided by Elizabeth’s Aga-filled kitchen and the promise of a homemade shepherd’s pie.
Their idyll is quite literally ‘fractured’ by the appearance of anti-fracking campaigner, Jenny (Andrea Hart) complete with protestors’ ‘arm tubes’ and her toy-boy boyfriend Sam (Freddie Meredith). Much humour ensues as they set up camp in Jack’s treasured garden leaving him remonstrating against the pointlessness of it all and his wife’s growing desire to get involved in ‘direct action’. But get involved she does. And as the story unfolds one way and then another her fighting spirit comes to the fore. She is not prepared to grow old gracefully and much to Jack’s horror, states that “maybe we have to give them what they fear most – civil disobedience”.
Ultimately, this leads to the very realistic possibility that Jack and Elizabeth could lose everything. Is it all worth it? You decide.
There’s something for everyone in Fracked. There are shades of David Hare and Alan Ayckbourn and although it never quite reaches those dramatic heights it is well written, thought provoking and funny. I especially liked how current references to political life were woven into the script to bring it up to date.
The play is crisply directed by Richard Wilson and his eye for a comic turn is evident. However, the comedy comes as much from the performances as from the script. In particular, watch out for the waiter (Steven Roberts) in an encounter with corrupt politician (Tristram Wymark). Ann Reid, although a little underpowered at times, is perfect as the strong minded and determined Elizabeth, but it is James Bolam who excels with a performance full of belligerent energy and comic timing.
- Fracked is at Richmond Theatre until May 13. For tickets visit atgtickets.com
Check out Theatre/Arts Section for more great local thespian news, reviews and interviews
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on our latest articles
Sign up to our Weekly Newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and stories
Looking to advertise your business in Surrey or SW London? Check out our 11 different lifestyle magazines with a combined monthly distribution of over 210,000
