Brockley Jack Studio – until 25th August
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
3***
Putting aside a few fumbled lines and the over cluttered staging, the cast told a well-known story of corruption and the web of lies this inevitably weaves.
You can forgive the occasional forgotten exit or entrance, when you are offered humour amongst the madness. The insipid Black (Elizabeth George) and Jack (Richard Houghton-Evans) property dealers, brought the most humour to the floor, literally!
The parts were played as caricatures mostly, apart from innocent, naive Anna (Fiona Vivian) and the shady Deputy Leader (Richard Willmott), who has only self-interest at heart. The Deputy Leader is probably the most corrupt of all, carrying out the orders of the Leader, keeping himself well in bribes and property.
Robert Mclachlan as Tommy gave no false illusions as to his working class roots and down trodden position. Playing the council leaders game to keep himself in the job, a necessary inconvenience to keep the workers in order.
Richard Houghton-Evans as Osip conveyed the emotional roller coaster of his character well, keeping his wits about him at all times. Jack Blue as Norman was a believable cad, making the most of a highly volatile situation.
You were reminded of Big Brother lurking in the back ground by the occasional appearance of Margaret Thatcher, unseen, weaving amongst the players.
Bernard O’Sullivan played the out of control ogre, Chairman of the Council, believing himself to be above the law, becoming violent when his position is threatened. I was not 100% convinced by this character. I thought he would have a heart attack rather than become outrageously violent.
The play was saved with the final pose when they were delivered the news the real inspector had arrived!
I wonder if Nikolai Gogol would recognise his play in Paula Chitty’s adaptation. Paula has done well to relate it to British politics and it does convey the message that power can corrupt at any time. The respect of power is dependent on the integrity of individuals.