Baggage

I was not familiar with the author if this play, Sam Bobrick, however, reading his resume in the programme encouraged me to expect a good script and I was not disappointed.  His list of credits includes some great and well known plays, television programmes and even songs (one for Elvis Presley).

Initially a very simple concept, two people returning to New York, on a flight from Los Angeles, had the same type of suitcase and, surprise, surprise, they got switched.  So, Bradley brings Phyllis’s case to her apartment to exchange them.  What ensues is an interesting and entertaining comment on human nature.

A simple set and four experienced and talented actors made this an excellent evening’s entertainment.  The two main protagonists, Cat Taylor (Phyllis Novak) and Kieran Lowe (Bradley Naughton) appeared relaxed and comfortable in their characters, from the start.  There was a good pace to their dialogue and we quickly understood their characters.  They both nailed the neurotic elements of their character without over playing them.   The dialogue was humorous but poignant and I empathised with the two characters as the play progressed.

The introduction of Psychoanalyst Dr Alexander, played by Darren G Goodison, was an interesting twist, reflecting the authors wide range of experience in entertaining, and this brought a new dimension to the plot.  Darren’s performance was excellent, just the right side of wry and sarcastic.

In the second half we were physically introduced to the fourth member of the cast, Manni Cartwright, played by Tonio Ellis.  His character had been referred to in the first act, but I was certainly unprepared for this character when he appeared.  A ‘larger than life’ gay man with a penchant for outrageous statements and equally outrageous shirts, was a complete delight.  Yes, he was ‘over the top’ but all the more entertaining for it, I simply loved his performance.

The denouement was good, well timed, beautifully played and completely unexpected in part.  But I particularly enjoyed the ‘where are they now’ comments displayed on the screen at the end of the play.  A nice touch from director Joanna Gent, who certainly knows her craft.

The standing set was very well designed, robust and it worked perfectly for the production.  The costumes were fine, given that this is current period they worked perfectly for each character and I must mention Tonio’s shirts again!

The pace of the play was very good, enough time to take in all the nuances but not so slow as to make it drag.  The four actors were word perfect, as far as I could tell, and the audience really appreciated the play.

Altogether a delightful evening’s entertainment, thank you for inviting me.

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