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More sex and violence: Playfight @sohotheatre

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The funny thing about three girls growing up under a tree is that you never quite know when they're being serious or just messing about. One time, they might be talking about giving blow jobs on a tennis court at school and another, they might be yearning for a connection that they can't quite explain. That's what happens in Playfight, an Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 hit currently showing at Soho Theatre .  Writer Julia Grogan doesn't give us much time to dwell on the lives of these three young teenage girls. One minute, they're fifteen and giggling, and then the next thing, they're off getting married or going to University. But underneath all the smutty talk, humour, and quick scene changes, there is a darker underbelly about relationships, power, and consent. It's about finding your way in a complex world that can dehumanise and degrade you. But as things move so quickly, you could blink and miss it. This is too bad as the performances capturing this co...

Hopes for 2017: The Doppel Gang @tristanbatestheatre



Things I am hopeful about for theatre this year after catching The Doppel Gang at the Tristan Bates Theatre:

More shows featuring the music, drama and comedy of music hall. 

The Mother Goose panto at Wilton's last year gave a few quick flashes of music hall style with a few numbers. Here this show is set in the pre-television era where an evening's entertainment is a night out at the theatre. It's a lost art that could do with being resurrected.

More borrowing of classic comedy sketches that don't involve Monty Python. 

There is a Faulty Towers Live show that is winding its way around Australia as part of John Cleese's pension plan. But there are is plenty of other comedy that could be recreated, borrowed, or repurposed. The Marx Brothers are a case in point.

Unfortunately while the Doppel Gang includes these two elements, there is an awful lot of moody drama between jokes. There is also the tired premise of a struggling (this time it's a theatre troupe) during the blitz. Perhaps it is time the war is left to Remembrance Day as we are not doing it any favours evoking it in the the theatre.

The moody drama and occasional loud explosions make the piece too confusing to follow. It also dilutes the comic potential (and any originality) of the material.

With it's elbaroate set it is a slick looking production from the Just Some Theatre Company. The company was founded by Jake Urry and Peter Stone who feature in the piece. But mis-timed performances and a muddled plot make for a bewildering night at the theatre.

Directed by Terence Man, The Doppel Gang runs at the Tristan Bates Theatre until 11 February.



In the meantime you can always see the real Marx Brothers online...

⭐︎⭐︎

Photo credit: Mitchell Reeve

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