Lion and Unicorn, Kentish Town – until 2 February. Reviewed by Brian Gordon
3***
This production from Lucrezia Pollice tackles a strong and reverent subject in modern society. A group of house mates trying to make life there’s and endeavouring to ensure the equilibrium of life is maintained whilst tackling modern social and emotional culture.
Maria played by Zoe Templeman-Young has mental health issues which in this play are simplistically based in parental rejection and drug use. Her flat mates move through the scenes attacking and transcending the centres of gravity of this issue throughout the play. The use of metaphor and the development of the relationships of the characters is most evident here, again though, it is simplistic in a raw and clearly personal level.
The portrayal of characters in the intimate Lion and Unicorn, above pub theatre is basic. Rachel is delivered well by Olivia Valler-Feltham, probably the best delivery, of the characters as the sensible but obvious centre of gravity to the story. Sophie, the drug supplying and attention supportive or distractive friend is clearly a challenging role, but represented judiciously by Tamzin Murray.
The play viably developed in the intimate theatre as Eddy played by Peter Silva calmed into the small room and managed to create a reasonable delivery of the supporting friend from the lad about tinder…
The use of multiple media created a distracted air at times but enabled the production to explore characteristics beyond the intimate theatre. Sometimes wandering into University drama club demonstration of multimedia usage, this performance could have benefited from keeping it true to the gritty and real subject which it attempted to challenge.
What was truly resonant was the discussion created in the audience beyond the play….. Although a simple display of character and a small audience, the creation of discussion and opinion of the metaphorical aspect and the use of media as a post-performance discussion, was the strongest I have seen….
Not the best, not top end, but relative and now, if you are after theatre that creates discussion, which after all is what art is for… then try it. If nothing else the venue is fantastic with great food and well-kept beers and great staff.