Love, Lies, and Taxidermy
Roundabout @ Summerhall
14 August 2016
5 Stars
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And here comes the next gem from Paines Plough at the Roundabout. Set in the Welsh town of Merthyr Tydfil, Alan Harris’s play features Valentine, son of a Polish builder, and Ashley, whose father is ice cream man Mr. Tutti Frutti.
They meet at a medical research centre where they find they are desperate to raise money to save their parents- her dad’s business, his parent’s marriage he wants to save by sending them on holiday. Merthyr is a deprived area, and throughout reference is made to the cost of the buildings yet the people inside are broke. When Ashley decides to do porn to raise money, a race against time ensues with Valentine desperate to save the girl he loves.
The same talented trio that performs Growth, Remy Beasley, Richard Cogan and Andy Rush also excel here. Cogan in particular, is excellent as Valentines Polish taxidermist dad, with an owl taking on beautiful and unexpected significance! It all builds up to an original rom-com climax, funny soppy and unashamedly romantic. Those not lucky enough to be Welsh may not appreciate the triumph of making Merthyr glow! But the sell-out audience loved it and you will leave with a huge grin on your face! A solid gold feel good hit! The film version must be in the works?
