Martin Ball (Philip) / Emma Kelly (Davina) / Louise Bangay (Alice) One of Those
Tristan Bates
26 January 2016
2 stars
This new comedy by Thomas Ward-Thomas attempts to subvert modern British stereotypes of age and background. Unfortunately, his characters are unconvincing, and despite occasional bouts of witty dialogue, the play fails to offer a profound insight.
On a long train journey from London to Penzance, two twenty-something strangers start an unlikely friendship. Laura is a Brick Lane bimbo with spelling difficulties, while James is a posh boy from Battersea who went to boarding school. They bond as they realise there is more than meets the eye, but it becomes a competition of who can be more surprising. As the acting unconvincingly flickers between outrage and understanding, they develop a flirtation that feels rather contrived.
Tom Ward-Thomas (James)
Meanwhile in the next hapless carriage, divorce lawyer Phillip and his tight-dressed mistress, are confronted by his wife Alice . The effort to subvert stereotypes goes from overdone in the first act, to seemingly forgotten here. The vivacious young mistress and the aggrieved wife virtually parody their characters, resulting in predictable gags hinged on dubious gender politics.
As the lives from one carriage merge with the other, the play descends into farce and the promise to bring new understanding is lost.
One Of Those runs at the Tristan Bates Theatre until 13 February 2016
Jessica Wretlind studied English and pursued acting before realising her dream to write and direct theatre. Her career has seen her as a stage manager in the West End, company manager at the Edinburgh Fringe and a critic both in London and at the Fringe. She is now directing an original play that starts its UK tour in April, and wants to continue reviewing theatre to keep her inspired by the diversity of the form.
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