Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – until Saturday 27 January
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
4****
Created in 1963 by Tony award winning Joan Littlewood, this production flew in the face of convention, as did all her pieces. Satirical humour, breaking the fourth wall and bringing serious issues to the stage, are Littlewood’s signature notes. As an audience you are invited into the community of the company through the actors’ antics on and off the stage.
The truth and horror of the first world war is revealed in dark humour, delivered by an accomplished, multi skilled cast. A musical with a difference! The actors are dressed as Pierrots, swapping military hats and coats as fast as their European accents! Add in a violin, double bass, clarinet, piano, harmonica, various drums and other percussion instruments and you have yourself a physical fast paced, beautifully choreographed performance, that not only entertains but is an education. It’s hard to believe there are only 6 actors on the set, all keeping to character in this demanding piece. You get the sense that it had a collaborative evolution in the making, with each actor totally owning their performance. The craziness of Harry Curley and lumbering awkwardness of Tom Crabtree makes you laugh out loud, whilst Alice Mayer shows us how the troupes were entertained with her come to bed eyes and coquettish mannerisms. Chioma Uma has an especially loud reaction to her vodka soaked Russian. The stark reality of the political battles, narcissism of the English upper classes, rubbing hands of businessmen are delivered in scenes that are a stark contrast to the bleak joy of the front line.
Director Nicky Allpress should be rightfully proud of this production. A great tribute to Littlewood, a pioneering woman of the arts in her time.