TWO

CIRENCESTER Theatre Company

TWO by Jim Cartwright as seen by Debi Weaver (NODA South West District 16) on Saturday 13th November 2021 at Sundial Theatre, Cirencester.

DIRECTOR: Gill Brain  

PRODUCER: Katy Sorensen

STAGE MANAGER: Mark Iredale

Two by Jim Cartwright, set in 1989 shows us a slice of Northern life with the action set over one night in a pub owned by bickering spouses simply known as Landlord and Landlady who provide the structure of the play linking a series of monologues and duologues by customers coming into the pub showing us a wide range of characters from different social backgrounds and personal stories. Originally, Jim Cartwright planned for all the characters to be played by just two actors, but it is a perfect vehicle for different actors to take on each of the roles, which is how Cirencester Theatre Company approached it. The simple but effective set designed by Gill Brain who also directed, included everything you would expect to see in a Northern Pub, the space was used effectively and the immersive element with the tables at the front ensured the audience felt part of the action.

Tom Browning and Amanda Hackett as Landlord and Landlady play the bickering couple with the heart-breaking backstory at the centre of the piece with great effect. Lesley Scoble-Ash demonstrated a fabulous contrast between the disillusioned Old Lady, stuck at home caring for her husband only able to get out for a certain time each day and the vulnerable Lesley, emotionally and literally beaten into subservience by her bullying partner Roy played by Matt Howard who was suitably sinister. Andy Duncan took on three roles, conveying all of them excellently. Moth the ageing lothario who takes advantage of his long-suffering girlfriend, Maudie, performed by Sophia Spooner who finally gets the commitment she desires when hurts his back. Mr Iger timid and downtrodden (with a look and feel of Jim from Friday Night Dinner) and Fred who seems happy and content in his simple but loving relationship with Alice, his Elvis mad partner, ably played by Ellie Brown  Katy Sorensen also shows a contrast in her performance playing both the uptight controlling Mrs Iger who prefers her “men big” and the character named only as Woman, the mistress hunting for her married lover and his wife to try and make him make a choice. I also really enjoyed Mark Iredales’ portrayal of the unassuming old man dreaming of his life with his late wife and looking forward to when he will reunite with her. The young Boy was played by Taylor Thompson who delighted the audience with his vulnerability and triggered the final emotional scene with the Landlord and Landlady.

All costumes and makeup were appropriate for the era and complimented the production. Sound was clear and lighting appropriate. Well done to the whole cast creative team Thank you very much for your hospitality and I'm very much looking forward to seeing your next production.

These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

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