Tag Archives: theatre

No Picnic, Tabard Theatre

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It is never a good sign when you sit in a dark theatre thinking, ‘What the hell am I going to write about this?’ Those were unfortunately my thoughts in the opening scene of ‘No Picnic’.

The Tabard Theatre in Chiswick is currently hosting the world premiere of this new work by Greg Freeman, an allegorical comedy which explores the crisis of conscience of teddy bears. And trust me the realisation of the idea is as mad as it sounds.

There have been strange happenings in the woods, teddy bears Alfie, Ludovic and Julius have witnessed a disturbing incident that has seriously shaken their beliefs and very being. It transpires that they witnessed a clown murder or suicide, but as teddy bears (who are apparently unable to lie), they cannot protect themselves against the probable charges. The teddy bears seek the help of a very strange doll who, in return for payment (a clown’s liver), offers various methods of deceit to save their skins.

It was a very bizarre ninety minutes. Freeman clearly intends to provoke our thinking on various moral and belief systems, but the endless repetition causes the play to drag and consequently the messages are confused and inadequately conveyed. It is a shame because visually there are some imaginative ideas; lack of money and resources have restricted the realisation too, causing the production to look a little scrappy and amateur. A huge open book alone provides the backdrop to the action, the heavy pages awkwardly turn to reveal new settings.

The cast, all graduates from Guildhall School of Acting, have a tricky job with Freeman’s non-sensical script. Teddy bears Dan Frost as Ludovic and James Sygrove as Julius are much more convincing once their great furry heads are comically removed; its just a shame we had to wait forty-five minutes to see their human faces. Perhaps it is the eye contact or maybe they are just more comfortable without the claustrophobic headgear, either way the acting from this point on is much more engaging. Rhys King is the most promising actor as the belligerent clown, he also has the best costume, a beautifully pleated handmade newspaper collar, and a menacing melancholic face of make up. I found Helen Russell-Clark infuriating as Greta the weird doll, she flounces about obsessively clutching her skirt and sucking her thumb, character acting taken too far.

Continues until 7 April, book here.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lyric Hammersmith

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I am always intrigued about what makes people laugh at the theatre. Fantastically funny productions are currently excelling on the London stages, ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ and ‘Noises Off’ are just two examples.

The current production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at the Lyric Hammersmith is anything but conventional. Quirky, alternative and fun, I found it hilarious, as did much of the audience on press night, but my friend didn’t and it made me wonder what makes a show funny. I thought this interpretation had it all: slapstick, chaotic comedy and more subtle, intelligent wit. It is a magical collaboration between Filter theatre company, director Sean Holmes and original members from The London Snorkelling Team band; together they present a wacky reworking Shakespeare’s classic play.

We began the night with funny man Ed Gaughan nervously stepping on stage to announce to us all that the evening, unfortunately would be a waste of time, and we may as well go home. We didn’t of course, instead the audience watched intrigued as the story (and madness) unfolded. Most of the beauty of this production is caused by unexpected jokes and clever innuendo so I don’t feel it is wise to give away too much in this review. The group of musicians and actors tell the basic story breaking for outbursts of original music, and short comic interludes. Pianist, Chris Branch and drummer, Alan Pagan provide most of the musical accompaniment, showing expertise and charisma in one corner of the stage, while having to contend with actors jumping over and around their instruments. The score is rather cheesy but uplifting – we hear love songs, fairy twinkles and all kinds of other enchanting sounds.

The design by Linsbury prizewinner Hyemi Shin is spectacular, seemingly simple but miraculous in its transformation. The action crashes through the walls, floor and ceiling, quite literally, as various parts are made only from brown paper. The male actors reign – Ferdy Roberts who plays Puck, John Lightbody as Lysander and best of all Jonathan Broadbent as Oberon/ Theseus. All three manage to be serious while acting ridiculously silly, and give 100 percent commitment to their roles. The actors seem to revel in the practical jokes that fill the script, the ideas are endless… you are left thinking: ‘why didn’t I think of that?’

All in all it is a marvellous rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream… I’m sorry I can’t tell you more, I fear it really will spoil the delight of seeing this production yourself.

Continues until March 17, book here, now.