Alphabetti Theatre Newcastle – until 9th March 2024
Reviewed by Sandra Little
3***
This latest offering from Alphabetti Theatre was written by Enda Walsh and first performed in Cork in 1996. This is the first time the play has been professionally produced in the North East of England; it has been directed by Ali Pritchard and produced by Gina Ruffin.
This one hour play takes place on the eve of the 17th birthday of two soulmates namely Pig (Ben Gettins) and Runt (Amy McAllister). The audience are taken through the events of this action packed evening and learn that these two young misfits were born in the same hospital within seconds of each other and over the years have developed a very close friendship involving several destructive and violent incidents. The two friends seem to inhabit a quite surreal world where they see themselves as invincible and beyond reproach. They refer to each other as “king and queen” and describe each other as, “the best pal in the whole world.” Superficially there would seem to be no consequences for the reckless actions of Pig and Runt however the ending of the play could be seen as the inevitable consequence!
The storyline is, to say the least, fast paced and passionate! Within an hour, themes of violence, drunkenness and sexual awakening are explored against a backdrop of clubbing around Pig and Runt’s hometown to celebrate their 17th birthday.
This production is recommended for age 16+ and Alphabetti Theatre make it clear that the play contains strong language and themes that some members of the audience may find distressing.
Although I found the strong Irish accent and fast delivery difficult to understand on occasions, I felt that the play was well received and I did overhear a member of the audience describe the performance as “superb” as they were leaving. Once again it would seem that this tiny theatre in Newcastle has produced a thought provoking piece of drama.