The stage is covered in feathers. It looks like there has been a murder of crows. To the sound of Johnny Cash’s Book of Relevation inspired “The Man Comes Around” we are introduced to John Casey. In this deep, dark part of his cracked mind he will face and battle his memories, chase ghosts and perhaps reveal “who to free and who to blame”.
John is not without problems – he has a somewhat unhealthy relationship with his mother, his wife seems addicted to paranoia and has “been walking towards the door for years” and he is trying to find the solution at the bottom of a vodka bottle. Oh, and he’s still trapped in a room full of feathers. It’s a ticklish situation.
People from his past crowd his apparently alcohol-related psychosis as he is helped by Bet Tween, part guardian angel, part his own responsible side to find out why he is here.
The production is Kafkaesque, Orwellian, with a little Greek tragedy, Lewis Carroll and film references (from Ghostbusters, Reservoir Dogs to The Big Lebowski) all mixed in. As such, it’s a bit over-stylised and actually tries too hard.
Where it does score is in the very well executed device that allows John to have conversations with himself. The actors’ lines come thick and fast and are so synchronised that it sounds like one voice. John is played with similar mercurial qualities that Matt Smith brings to Dr Who (if the BBC need a replacement it knows where to look). Nancy Monaghan also shines as his mother.
While it doesn’t result in a completely satisfying piece of theatre, there is clearly talent and commitment from all involved. Not exactly a revelation, but here’s hoping that they make a second coming to the Fringe.
Show times: 14-29 August 2011, 2.55pm
Ticket prices: £7.50 (£6.50) - £9.50 (£8.50)