God of Carnage

GOD of CARNAGE 
by Yasmine Reza

A Bar Production, staged and presented by Southport Dramatic Club, at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport.... on Thursday 18th June 2026

‘God of Carnage’ is a dark comedy about two sets of middle-class parents who meet in the lounge of Veronique and Michael Novak. Their son has had two teeth knocked out by the ‘Raleigh’ ... Annette and Alains son. Initially the conversation is polite and restrained
but as the afternoon unfolds and the alcohol flows the adults abandon their manners, revealing deep seated resentment, marital issues and their own inherent immaturity. First performed in Zurich, Switzerland in 2007. Following its Swiss Premier the acclaimedplay quickly expanded to other Theatre hubs. The English language version opened at The Gielgud Theatre in the West End in March 2008.

Four people are on stage for ninety minutes without a backdrop helping to create a sense of space; the weight of storytelling fell heavily on the four performers.

SDC had chosen Adrienne Ledson to guide us through this ‘dark comedy’ and it was her deft direction that helped bring this play to life. Being staged in the round, I really did think this helped the audience feel engaged throughout.

Catherine Dunne played ‘Veronique’
This was a masterclass in character creation. Convincing the audience, she was hearing the dialogue for the first time while perfectly exposing her inner turmoil with passion and conviction.

Johnathan Tatler played ‘Michael Vallon’
Jonathan mentioned in the programme he had spent many years away from the stage casting some self-doubt on his return. Rest assured Jonathan you enjoyed a triumphant home coming. You have a commanding stage presence, displaying the perfect level of
anger and restraint when taunted by the odious Lawyer Alain.

Adrienne Ledson played ‘Annette Reille’
Playing a character and directing any play is difficult. Directing and appearing in a play in the round takes the skill process to another level... well done, Adrienne, this cannot have been easy!

Andrew Sloman played ‘Alain Reille’
Andrew completely exposed the characters emotional state, the characters internal conflict and gave us a raw understanding of the characters personality. Another ‘stand-out’ performance.

At times, I felt the cast were overly ‘standing up’, but I then realised that no-one’s back was visible for any length of time which subconsciously assisted in the building of tension. The rhythm of the play rose to a climax then dropped perfectly giving you a breath, then drawing you back into the action! Again, deftly directed in the high-tension scenes; the action at no point descending into melodrama or shouty encounters. Well Done to all involved.

On the night I attended, the cast provided us with an almost a perfect performance, but I couldn't help but notice the number of vacant seats! I remember hearing this strange expression about the theatre... the quote: “the play became a critical darling" meaning,
that although a play had inventive structure, sharp dialogue and earned praise from the critics... that supportive suggestion failed to translate into ticket sales. I do hope this comment doesn’t cause offence, but maybe... G.O.C could fall into that category!

Production Team:
Director - Adrienne Ledson
Assistant Director - Rachel Davies
Stage Manager - Debbie Moss
Prompt – Laura Jane Palmer-Farrar
Wardrobe - Carol McPherson & Cast.
Lighting - Debbie Moss
Sound - Dave Proffitt
Properties - Hannah Knowles & Becky Collingham

Thank you for inviting me.
David Davies
N.O.D.A.
Assistant Rep District 6.

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