First presented in 1965, Peter Shaffer’s one-act farce has been wittily revived at the Orange Tree, deftly directed by Caroline Steinbeis. In the midst of the theatre’s building upheaval, it seems a very suitable choice of show as chaos is the play’s raison d’etre.
The central premise is the idea of light and darkness transposed so that whilst the audience might see everything that transpires, the cast are meant to be literally (and often figuratively too) in the dark, which of course inevitably creates absolute mayhem.
OUR VERDICT
Accompanied by his fiancée Carol, young sculptor Brindsley Miller has a rather urgent dilemma engulfing him.
An influential art collector is paying him a visit, his approbation potentially crucial for the aspiring artist, so Miller has borrowed the furniture of his stylish neighbour ( without permission) in order to create the right impression.
Sam Taylor
When a power cut plunges the building into darkness, Miller realises he has the perfect conditions in which to complete his deception, the only slight problem being that the audience can actually see every step of his hapless plot.
As an amorous ex-girlfriend, Carol’s father and two of his neighbours (plus unexpected guests) arrive; Miller’s world spins dramatically out of control, his frenetic attempts to impose order only complicating an already tortuous situation.
Sam Taylor
Steinbeis offers a light and effervescent production that is beautifully played, relished by the appreciative audience. A strong cast, led by previous OT actors Patricia Allison and Joe Bannister, is clearly having much fun with the play’s maniacal pace, their skill surely courtesy of comedy consultant John Nicholson, one of the founders of acclaimed physical theatre group Peepolykus.
Obviously, in such a subject, Elliot Grigg’s superb lighting, so central to proceedings, must be commended for its dexterity, darkness swiftly engulfing the auditorium every time a match is struck or torch used.
Sam Taylor
The level of enjoyment is naturally influenced by whether one appreciates farce per se, but even if it’s not your usual cup of tea, the sight of people scrambling over a motley assortment of furniture in close proximity whilst trying to outwit one another- ostensibly in the dark- is a sight to behold.
Orange Tree Theatre
1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9 2SA
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Monday 12pm - 6pm Tuesday 12pm - 6pm Wednesday 12pm - 6pm Thursday 12pm - 6pm Friday 12pm - 6pm Saturday 12pm - 6pm Sunday Closed
