The opening performance was The New World Order, starring Richard Garton, Kristy Guest and Matthew Hunt. Making use of the uniquely apposite downstairs setting, and with an innovative use of torches for lighting, the darkly comic piece featured two characters discussing what they’re about to do to a third, hooded figure seated between them. The piece excelled in exposing the dichotomy between the inevitably grim outcome for the hooded figure, who we presume will be tortured and killed, and the dialogue on semantics between the two holding him captive. Kristy Guest in particular excelled with a brilliantly manic performance full of fervor and fanaticism.
The second piece, Precisely, was a candid look at a conversation between two people discussing the fate of millions of people over a seemingly innocent drink. Guest was again great as Charlie, joined by a subtly understated Andy Fowler as Roger. Precisely was tense, atmospheric and created a great sense of voyeurism by utilising a setting almost among the audience, at a small table lit only by a single lamp.
Following an interval, the final performance was of Pinter’s 1982 play Victoria Station. The most comedic of the three, it portrays two men – a minicab dispatcher and one of his drivers – holding a dialogue via their radio system. A seemingly innocent and simple job request quickly descends into utter confusion and frustration as the driver’s beguiling responses thrust the controller further into a frantic rage. As the driver, Matthew Hunt was a great straight man to Andy Fowler’s controller, who shone with a nuanced performance full of frenzied agitation. Shifting moods between mystery, comedy and settling on something more somber, Victoria Station drew a great reaction from the audience.
All three pieces displayed Newman’s métier as a director, as well as providing further evidence for Fowl Humour’s standing as an innovative and exciting new theatre presence in Nottingham.
Precisely Pinter was performed at The Lord Roberts on Monday 28 – Tuesday 29 August 2015.
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