Art

St Neots Players brought Yasmina Reza’s acclaimed play Art to the Conservative Club in St Neots, demonstrating once again their talent for intimate, thought-provoking theatre. With their usual venue under refurbishment, the group transformed the club into a compelling theatrical space, perfectly suited to Reza’s clever script and the play’s intense dynamics.

The minimalist set consisted of a sofa, a chair, and a wall adorned with a couple of striking colourful piece of abstract art. This was later to be complimented by the infamous white canvas that served as the play’s central point of contention. This simple staging fostered an atmosphere of intimacy, drawing the audience directly into the heated discussions and fraught emotions of the three protagonists.

Reza’s Art revolves around Serg, who proudly shows off his expensive acquisition: a 3’ x 4’ white canvas with barely visible white diagonal lines. His friend Marc is incredulous, baffled by Serg’s willingness to spend €100,000 on what he views as a pretentious blank canvas. Yvan, the third member of the trio, finds himself caught between their clashing perspectives, burdened by his own personal anxieties, particularly concerning his fiancée and her demanding family.

The cast excelled in their roles, vividly bringing to life the complex interplay between the characters. Marc’s realism and blunt observations, brought to life by Ian Worsfold quickly won over the audience, while Serg’s frustration and passion for his art were palpable. The role of Serg was handled by Stu Woolgar. Yvan’s monologue at the start of the second act—a lengthy, heartfelt recounting of his family troubles—was a standout moment, delivered with sincerity and emotional depth. In the role of Yvan, Matthew Davies had the audience embroiled in the complexities of his family drama.

Comic timing was spot-on throughout the production, with the actors skilfully navigating Reza’s philosophical examination of ego, taste, and the fragility of friendship. The dialogue, at once sharp and humorous, prompted laughter and reflection in equal measure.

As someone who fondly remembers seeing Art in the West End back in 1999 with Frank Skinner, Art Malik and Nicholas Woodeson, this local amateur revival was a nostalgic treat. The St Neots Players, under the direction of Isobella Coleman, captured the spirit and wit of the original, reawakening cherished memories and delivering a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre.

Bravo to all involved for staging such a memorable production. The St Neots Players have once again proven themselves a vital part of the town’s cultural life, offering clever, heartfelt drama that lingers long after the final curtain.

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