Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – runs until 21st April 2018.
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
3***
Art was originally written in French by Yasmina Reza, a Russian/Iranian/Hungarian/Jewish playwright from Paris. This couldn’t be further away from the solid British feel you are left with after seeing this piece. The play was translated by Christopher Hampson after he came across it playing in the Champs Elysee Theatre. He wanted to buy the rights to the play but after investigation found out that Sean Connery actually owned them. Finally getting in touch with Connery, he agreed to hire Christopher to do the translation. 1996 was the first performance in the West Ends’ Wyndhams. The production has been going strong now for over twenty years and still proves very popular.
This tour of Art has three very accomplished actors on board in the form of Nigel Havers, Denis Lawson and Stephen Tompkinson. These three all have extremely lengthy experience and are super talented. Their talents and abilities of strong acting skills and charismatic energy are key as this show doesn’t have much more to offer visually. The stage is set in plain décor, with three chairs and a table for the entire performance, with only the use of lighting to change the mood intermittently.
The story is about three, close, life-long friends; Marc, Serge and Yvan. When Serge pays £200,000 for a white painting, Marc does not approve, calling it a ‘piece of white s**t’ and accuses Serge of wasting his money. Yvan, tries to be more positive about the painting, which in turn aggravates Marc who appears to have a ‘hang up’ about it. The painting acts as a catalyst to an argument which threatens to get out of control and destroy their friendship. The piece of Art is on stage for a lot of the one act, ninety minute play but the true focus is on the relationship between the trio. There is almost a childlike argumentative edge to these three and that is well portrayed by the actors. There are comedy moments in every corner of this play, leaving the audience in stitches.
A real stand out moment is Stephen Tompkinsons’ extra long monologue. He goes on a real rant about his mothers, stepmothers and all the other people involved in the planning of his wedding. This performance is impeccable and he manages to deliver it at such a speed that you are tense for him, hoping he doesn’t slip up. All perfectly executed though.
If you are a fan of comedy drama and not one that needs visually stimulating during performance then this may be the show for you. The acting is super professional, polished and believable. The story is well written and most importantly it leaves you thinking about friendship and how there is nothing else quite like it.