Tag Archives: Jeremy Drakes

Finishing the Picture – 4 Stars

Finishing

Finishing the Picture

Finborough Theatre

Reviewed – 15th June 2018

★★★★

“The second act brings with it a level of energy and tension that you would not have guessed”

 

Finborough Theatre is currently playing host to the European premiere of Arthur Miller’s final play. Set in a hotel in Reno, Nevada, in 1960, we see the production team of a Hollywood movie in a state of turmoil over the indisposition of the troubled leading actress, Kitty, who is riddled with self-doubt and has turned to drugs to remedy her inner demons. As the team ponder over how best to deal with the situation, it becomes clear that the picture is in jeopardy and indeed may not be finished in time.

The play’s first act revolves around a series of debates about how to get Kitty fit for filming and save the picture. The ever-present issue of the objectification of women in the film industry is brought into play here, with cinematographer Terry (Patrick Bailey) making frequent, somewhat inappropriate, comments about her physical appearance, implying that this is what ultimately sells pictures. Kitty does not appear on stage which makes it all the more a case of her being treated as an object whose opinions aren’t considered. As noted by the play’s director Phil Willmott, “She is consistently treated as a problematic resource that needs to be brought into line, with no recognition that it is this which has driven her to new depths of drug dependency and despair”.

The second act brings with it a level of energy and tension that you would not have guessed would follow the arguably invariable nature of the first. When Kitty’s trusted acting coach Jerome Fassinger (Tony Wredden) is called in to try to get through to her, each character takes turns to visit her in her hotel room and, through a series of monologues, attempt to coax her into finishing filming.

Lighting (Rachel Sampley) and sound (Nicola Chang) are used exceptionally well during the second act. Throughout the delivery of the monologues, a high tempo, almost manic, jazz piece plays, conveying a sense of urgency. A dim spotlight frames the actors as their characters converse with Kitty. Both these design elements make for a tense, high-octane second act, where the desperation of the production team to get their star fit to perform is clear to see, even without the presence of an actress playing Kitty for them to address. The actors deliver their lines so well that it isn’t hard to imagine they are talking to the troubled star.

Full of fantastic performances from all actors, this play is a clear depiction of the harsh realities of a, on the surface, glamorous industry. It’s also not hard to draw parallels between the play’s content and playwright Arthur Miller’s own struggles with his wife of five years, the infamous Marilyn Monroe. Although we don’t see or hear an actress playing Kitty, empathy can definitely be felt for her thanks to the way she is spoken about and the pressure she must be under. In summary, Finishing the Picture is a thought-provoking, well-executed production of Arthur Miller’s swansong.

 

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Scott Rylander

 


Finishing the Picture

Finborough Theatre until 7th July

 

Related
Previously reviewed at this venue
 Booby’s Bay | ★★★★ | February 2018
White Guy on the Bus | ★★★★ | March 2018
The Biograph Girl | ★★★ | May 2018

 

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Dance

The Dance Hall

Blue Elephant Theatre

Reviewed – 1st November 2017

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

 

“It is a beautiful story that many can relate to”

 

Written, produced and directed by Eve Niker, The Dance Hall is a delightful, intimate story about a family going through the sad and difficult period that the loss of a someone beloved always causes. 

We see how Jimmy (Jeremy Drakes), an Irish father and grandfather who emigrated to England in his youth, is hurting and fighting the loss of the love of his life, Annie (Rebecca Lee). Theresa (Dorothy Cotter) and Grace (Tania Amsel), Jimmy’s daughter and granddaughter, briefly attempt to reconnect with him after Annie dies but he is a very stubborn man still adapting to life on his own.

The actors worked well, making the audience connect fully with the story from the beginning to the end. Their dancing and singing were well suited to the play and delicately performed.

The live violin and guitar music together with the subtle lighting created an environment of both warmth and coldness at the same time reflecting Jimmy’s ongoing journey from dependence to independence. The Dance Hall is presented as a work in progress so the set and costume design are minimal which in a way works well. It would be interesting to see how a developed set in the future works and whether this would perhaps take away from the raw emotions of the piece.

Generally, the play is a good watch but some of the scenes are a little slow. It is a beautiful story that many can relate to that deals with love, loneliness, loss and learning how to cope. Presented in such a small but cosy venue only adds to the intimacy of the piece. It will be interesting to see how the show is developed in the future. An enjoyable experience well worth seeing.

 

Reviewed for thespyinthestalls.com

 

 

THE DANCE HALL

is at The Blue Elephant Theatre until 2nd November

 

 

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