Flatspin

I accepted the invitation to see this performance of Alan Ayckborn’s play, ‘Flatspin,’ with pleasure. The script had a plot that seemed improbable, included various characters, and contained elements of comedy. It was a script with which I was not previously acquainted. Lucy Talbot made her directorial debut with this production, supported by an outstanding cast in principal roles and a competent backstage crew, resulting in a production that showed considerable promise. The entire play is set in a modern riverside apartment on the Thames, and the stage design reflected this with a classic style, using white décor and fittings that incorporated a chic drinks bar and a kitchenette, complete with seating areas. It had a main entrance stage left, and a door to the bedroom, stage right, which were busy with frequent and frantic comings and goings during the play. 

The play opens with Rosie Seymour, an aspiring actress who is frustrated by unemployment and disappointed at not landing her desired role. The opening scene begins with the property agent, Annette Sefton Wilcox, showing her around the apartment as a stand in janitor, and explaining her duties. As she leaves, a neighbour, Sam Berryman, appears at the doorand Rosie doesn’t correct a misunderstanding that he thinks she is the actual tenant of the apartment, Joanna Rupelford.Rosie, desperate for company, accepts Sam’s offer to make her dinner in this apartment. There are a few comical moments as Rosie tries unconvincingly to show her familiarity with Joanna’s home and her clothes. Matters become more complicated when a persistent woman, Edna Sticken, tries to get in touch with the tenant of the apartment.A romance quickly develops between her and Sam, but when Sam is called away, Rosie is visited by two suspiciousstrangers, Maurice and Tracy. When Sam returns it becomes obvious to the audience that Sam knows them and Rosiebegins to realise, she has stumbled into an undercover drug operation and finds herself involved more than she would have wished. She finds herself trapped in a web of deceit and cannot escape. We learn that Joanna never really existed, and the flat has been set up to entrap a drug courier due to deliver that night and Maurice is angry with Sam, who has disrupted the plan because Tracy was going to impersonate Joanna. Sam persuades Rosie to continue with her impersonation of Joanna, against her better judgement. In the final scene, Rosie is waiting in the flat ready but reassured there would be no trouble. She is in the company of Tommy Angel, an ex-SASbodyguard. Tommy asks Rosie to hit her on the head to show how tough she is. Rosie does this and Tommy falls unconscious. Seconds later Edna arrives at the flat. Rosie plays the part of Joanna and hands over the case of money from a hidden compartment in a table as soon as she sees the drugs. When Edna inspects the briefcase, it is full of newspaper cut outs not money. There is a struggle then Tracy comes on the scene and incapacitates Edna. Maurice recovered the drugs and caught the suspect, but the money is still unaccounted for.   He and Tracy leave. Sam retrieves the real briefcase full of money from a secret compartment that Maurice doesn’t know anything about. He promises Rosie a richer tomorrow and they disappear into the bedroom. Then,Maurice and Tracy return and take the money.

Sara Bissett played the key role of Rosie, not an easy part to play and was on stage most of the time. She confidently used the stage, expressing her character’s vulnerability, fear, and passion through facial expressions and mannerisms. Rod Bissett adopted the central role of Sam with gusto and charm, giving a stellar performance overall. Sam Allan characterised the role of Annette Sefton Wilcox with ease, using an appropriate authoritative air about her. Esther Horton delivered a commendable performance in the enigmatic role of Edna Sticken, demonstrating confidence and a cool persona. Abby Simpson played the female tactless thug Tracy Taylor brilliantly. Her menacing stares and hostility towards Rosie seemed very real and her truculence towards Maurice equally disturbing. Carl Horton portrayed Maurice as a character who used a warm smile and gentle manner while engaging in manipulation to achieve his objectives with others. Jill Simkin was very good as Tommy Angel, suitablybrash, boastful and somewhat intimidating.

Well done to Lucy for a successful production, it was pacey and engaging and congratulations to all the cast and crew. The plot was unlikely and sometimes silly but included some comedic scenes and provided an enjoyable evening. Thank you for inviting me.

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