Etcetera Theatre Archives - Page 9 of 22

Bricks of the Wall

Etcetera Theatre

Reviewed – 18th January 2019

★

“it’s immediately apparent that the acting from this energetic cast can’t match up to the plot’s soaring aspirations”

Brexit’s impact will certainly be studied through theatre. There are myriad opportunities for thoughtful examinations and retellings. Unfortunately Bricks of the Wall is not one of them, lacking the nuance required to meaningfully contribute to the debate.

The premise is appealing. I’ll skimp on detail so as not to foreshadow the plot twists in this 75-minute piece, but suffice to say that the night opens with what the programme tells us is a ‘fabulous dinner party in London’ and ends in extraordinary violence.

So far, so interesting, then, and certainly amidst the Brexit chaos it felt apt to see what might unfold in this theatrical thought experiment. But it’s immediately apparent that the acting from this energetic cast can’t match up to the plot’s soaring aspirations. The writing, too, lacks subtlety – especially disappointing, given the political subject matter is so subtle and complex.

Our writer and lead, Sophie Pâris, especially frustrates as Isabelle. The flaws of this character are symptomatic of wider character development issues. She fluctuates between being sympathetic, pleading for calm when tensions run high, and insufferable – gurning, weeping and wailing. The relationship between Isabelle and her husband Neb (Julien Romano) seems equally as muddled and acting is over-seasoned in all cases, with only Romano showing real light and dark. Even this is undermined by an unconvincingly rapid descent into barbarism that sees him floridly maniacal.

The staging also offers no port in a storm here. The set is necessarily basic, and that’s more than acceptable – but lazy shortcuts become distracting. It’s asking a lot of audiences to imagine they’re watching a chic dinner party when shown ‘homemade’ pre-meal nibbles in the form of unpeeled satsumas and whole bunches of grapes. If pre-dinner fruit is a thing, I’m (mercifully) yet to experience it. Silly details niggle; characters bemoan their acute hunger after a day under martial law while a large tray of Ferrero Rocher sits on full view stage left throughout.

Let’s be clear: audiences go into these small theatres (the Etcetera Theatre is above a busy Camden pub) under no illusions. It’s understood that space and budget constraints mean disbelief must be suspended. But help should be given to support these enthusiastic audiences in this and the intimacy of the room, where actors operate almost in their audience’s laps, should be respected. The closing scenes here fail to pay due deference to audience proximity and the neglect of choreography is a mistake.

The movement here feels, well, chaotic, and not in an intentional way. Actors stalk the stage clumsily or untidily, confusing the audience and eroding any steer about who should be holding our attention. Crescendos of sustained, overlapping shouting leave us stumped about what’s being communicated. We understand that we’re seeing a depiction of political and moral panic, but there are ways to represent this that avoid confronting your viewers with a maelstrom of sound and action without apparent direction.

In a week of momentous political turmoil, a night of theatre scrutinising how we got here and what happens next should offer the perfect tonic. Sadly this production only adds to the chaos.

Reviewed by Abi Davies

Bricks of the Wall

Etcetera Theatre until 19th January

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue:

Too Young to Stay in | ★★★ | August 2018

Your Molotov Kisses | ★★★★ | August 2018

Little by Little | ★★ | September 2018

The Break-up Autopsy | ★★★★ | October 2018

Never Swim Alone | ★★★★ | November 2018

Jailbirds | ★★ | December 2018

The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar | ★★★★ | December 2018

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com

★★★★

“In such an absurd story, the cast quite literally lose the plot, but the diversions are welcome, leaving the audience in hysterics”

In this warped retelling of Eric Carle’s childhood classic, a loathsome, very hungry caterpillar fails to metamorphose as no cocoon will stretch around his bulging belly. Instead of becoming a handsome butterfly, the Caterpillar King (Nathan Charles) is a raging tyrant with a hunger for raw red meat. When the king meets his match in a beautiful butterfly queen (Ted Vaudrey) from an alternate universe, the servile Steve (Murray Burgess) – or is it Simon? – nervously suggests the king share his food with his kingdom. Will the king impress the queen and secure the long-term relationship he desires?

From the first rhyme spoken in unison, The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar is high energy and high speed. Movement sequences are slick and well-rehearsed to match crafty writing which introduces the setting and tone of the piece concisely. The pace gives an impactful start, but it does turn out to be a detriment as gags are missed throughout the play. With such an abundance of quickfire jokes the enunciation of all the actors could be improved. Aside from this and a few dad jokes that fall flat, the play is laugh-a-minute with popular references to Shrek and Star Wars, and a spot-on impression of Gordon Ramsay in Hell’s Kitchen. You could definitely get more from this show with a second watch.

The world Red Biscuit Theatre create is bonkers but relatable, featuring some tense group work and a passive aggressive exchange over the decision to name a character Neil. Theo Moore and Craig Unadkat are particularly funny multi-rolling as doors, a bell tower and conflicting members of the Cape Caterpillar Liberation Club. Human props play a large part in the story, used nicely both to transform the blank stage and as an illusion that can be deconstructed for comic relief. In such an absurd story, the cast quite literally lose the plot, but the diversions are welcome, leaving the audience in hysterics. The hour of silliness is definitely enjoyed by the cast and audience alike, which is a thrill to see.

Most impressive is how the company deliver a moral message of redemption amidst their twisted tale. Their ability to devise this Pythonesque physical comedy from the loose plot of a children’s book suggests some promising future work from the troupe.

Reviewed by Beth Partington

Photography by Caitlin Plimmer

Etcetera Theatre

Reviewed – 18th January 2019

★

“it’s immediately apparent that the acting from this energetic cast can’t match up to the plot’s soaring aspirations”

Brexit’s impact will certainly be studied through theatre. There are myriad opportunities for thoughtful examinations and retellings. Unfortunately Bricks of the Wall is not one of them, lacking the nuance required to meaningfully contribute to the debate.

The premise is appealing. I’ll skimp on detail so as not to foreshadow the plot twists in this 75-minute piece, but suffice to say that the night opens with what the programme tells us is a ‘fabulous dinner party in London’ and ends in extraordinary violence.

In a week of momentous political turmoil, a night of theatre scrutinising how we got here and what happens next should offer the perfect tonic. Sadly this production only adds to the chaos.

Reviewed by Abi Davies

Bricks of the Wall

Etcetera Theatre until 19th January

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue:

Etcetera Theatre

Reviewed – 9th December 2018

★★★★

“In such an absurd story, the cast quite literally lose the plot, but the diversions are welcome, leaving the audience in hysterics”

Most impressive is how the company deliver a moral message of redemption amidst their twisted tale. Their ability to devise this Pythonesque physical comedy from the loose plot of a children’s book suggests some promising future work from the troupe.

Reviewed by Beth Partington

Photography by Caitlin Plimmer

The Very Well-Fed Caterpillar

Etcetera Theatre

Last ten shows reviewed at this venue: