God of Carnage

God of Carnage revolves around a meeting between two sets of parents trying to have a civil discussion about the behaviour of their sons who had recently had a fight, resulting in one boy losing two front teeth. For a while, all seems to be quite composed, if not a bit strained, but gradually the pleasantries disappear.

The setting of the play is the living room of Michael and Veronica Fallon who have invited Annette and Alan Reilly over to discuss their sons’ altercation. Over the course of their discussions their characters became clear. Veronica (Bridget Collins) makes out she is exemplary with her coffee table carefully displaying her art catalogues. Husband Michael (Kris Robertson) is a bit of a ‘yes’ man with a loathing of the family hamster. Annette (Caroline Fenton) is a very smartly dressed wealth manager. On the other hand husband Alan (Andy Forsyth) annoys everyone with his constant phone calls about his work as a lawyer for a pharmaceutical company. 

A pivotal moment comes when they have eaten a dessert provided by Veronica and Annette vomits all over her precious catalogues. This was very cleverly executed by Caroline, which made it look very real. Unfortunately Veronica’s catalogues suffered, as did Alan’s suit. Another moment came, when the audience nearly cheered, when Annette snatched Alan’s mobile and put it in a vase of flowers. Michael’s best rum gradually disappears as they all become drunk and behaviour and language goes downhill, showing the real essence of their characters.   

This was a brilliantly cast and acted play, each and everyone made the character their own and believable. Although a comedy, it is a comedy of bad manners and it was fascinating to watch the shift between arguing couples.  The moral (if there is meant to be one) of the play is that consciously or not we are the savages competing under the laws of the “God of Carnage”

A thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking afternoon. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.