Yvonne Arnaud – until 4th October 2025
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Writer Torben Betts has pulled it out of the bag again, taking risks with the audience, producing comedy, farce, extreme violence, love and family drama in one package! Director Philip Franks has the unenviable task of creating 5 sets on one stage, managing to keep the momentum going at high speed.
Jason Durr (Jonny) plays the lead gangster, retaining a cool, calm, collected veneer, with a tumult of childhood trauma barely beneath the surface. His batty mother Shirley (Susie Blake) gives you glimpses of his harsh upbringing amongst the innocent humour of her forgetful character. A twisted love between the two keeps them close, in fact she lives in his house! Blake (Shirley) carries off the sparkly frock and dressing gown perfectly! Keep your senses peeled for the true protagonist in the plot.
The inept copper well out of his depth is ably played by Max Bowden. Paul (Bowden) known for not being very good at his job thinks he is falling in love with his mark, Lisa (Katie McGlynn). She just happens to be Jonny’s (Durr) girlfriend! McGlynn’s (Lisa) body language and facial expression gives you insight into Lisa’s fear and anxiety, masked by the humour in her words.
Paul Moreton (Trainwreck) gives you the most depth of character, ranging from lost boy to frenzied maniac. A believable caricature!
You are left guessing what the relationship between ‘Mr Fish’ (Callum Balmforth) and Cristina (Iryna Poplavska) is. Balmforth (Russell) gives just the right level of desperation and uncertainty that drives him to extreme action he cannot carry through.
You have to keep your wits about you throughout the play, to match the pace of having several sets with action going on all at once.
You have an uneasy sympathy for characters with a dark past and aspirations for a better future. It all leads to catastrophic outcomes which make you wonder why you are laughing!