November 7, 2007
This brilliantly witty, fast-flowing play portraying the interactions in a group of friends celebrating a 29th birthday was written by Nina Raine and directed flawlessly by Chloe Masterton. Centred simply around a table, sofa, chairs and some wine glasses (and many bottles!), the tale of Bella’s poorly-attended birthday night out unravels an emotional entanglement of failed romances, strained friendships, unrequited love, loss, envy, masculinity, femininity, and the impending loss of Bella’s dear father to a brain tumour.
The intimate environment of the Burton-Taylor Theatre allowed us access to the unfolding story as if we were guests at the next table. The play raced along with a fantastic, funny, sometimes shockingly blunt dialogue between the characters, and all the performances were outstanding – the proximity also allowed us to see Bella’s (Harry Creelman) amusing and convincing facial expressions. The chemistry and interaction between the characters was believable and very effective, and the casting was superb – the only minor flaw was that Charlie Holt, playing Bella’s father, was far too young and attractive to be playing a 60-year-old dying man. Although his performance was very powerful more should have been done with his costume and his movements to make him physically more in character – unless of course he was meant to be portrayed as in his prime, but this was not made clear.
A moving, questioning, funny, and heartfelt performance by a cast of very talented young actors who kept us entertained, engaged, amused and involved from start to end. Very enjoyable – catch it while you can!
The intimate environment of the Burton-Taylor Theatre allowed us access to the unfolding story as if we were guests at the next table. The play raced along with a fantastic, funny, sometimes shockingly blunt dialogue between the characters, and all the performances were outstanding – the proximity also allowed us to see Bella’s (Harry Creelman) amusing and convincing facial expressions. The chemistry and interaction between the characters was believable and very effective, and the casting was superb – the only minor flaw was that Charlie Holt, playing Bella’s father, was far too young and attractive to be playing a 60-year-old dying man. Although his performance was very powerful more should have been done with his costume and his movements to make him physically more in character – unless of course he was meant to be portrayed as in his prime, but this was not made clear.
A moving, questioning, funny, and heartfelt performance by a cast of very talented young actors who kept us entertained, engaged, amused and involved from start to end. Very enjoyable – catch it while you can!