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No country for old women: Old Ladies - at Finborough Theatre

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The day after seeing The Old Ladies at the Finborough Theatre , I was describing the play to someone in great detail: about three old ladies who lived in a rickety house in southern England in 1935. Based on Hugh Walpole’s novel and adapted by Rodney Ackland, it is the sort of story with enough believability, humour and mild thriller to stick in your mind. Perhaps it is the lure of this dark, forboding tale of a life without money, to be alone and to be old, that makes you feel attracted to this poverty porn. But then again, given the state of the world, the cost of living, an ageing population, or just the fact that it’s a dog-eat-dog world, it might as well be an every little old lady-for-herself, too. It’s a well-acted and staged piece that moves at a brisk pace, so there isn’t much time to think about it too much. And in the intimate (or should that be claustrophobic?) space of the Finborough, there’s nowhere to avert your eyes. Even if you wanted to.  The scene is a grim Cathe...

Sinewy encounters: Meat @theatre503

Meat is an engaging exploration of relationships power and consent by writer Gillian Greer. Characters are cut and dissected like the animal carcasses hanging in the background of this production. With emotionally engaging performances, it's a gripping take on modern relationships and reconciliation with the past. It's currently playing at Theatre 503.

It is set in a concept restaurant where meat is the only thing on the menu (vegetarians and vegans can go fuck off). There are simple table settings and fine wine. And some animal carcasses in the background. It's a hot spot to go to in Dublin (well butcher restaurants are fashionable in London anyway). Max (India Mullen), a blogger and writer is there to meet the owner and ex-boyfriend Ronan (Sean Fox). She's there to tell him that she's put in her forthcoming book an account of the night she was sexually assaulted by him. But she's also there wanting answers.

From the start, the expectations are misaligned. Ronan thinks she is there to show her regret for breaking up with him and he wants to show off how far he's come. But Max is there to inform him she is putting an encounter from their past in her new book. And also ask why he raped her.

It's a subtle and nuanced piece of writing where over a series of courses and scenes the conversations veer from happier times to trauma. The food and drink are either thrown to the floor or smeared on the walls. It highlights the messiness of the night and what the two are navigating.

Mullen is compelling as the initially self-assured Max who transforms over the piece. Fox is a revelation as he projects both the successful restauranteur and lad can throw a table across the room.

Alongside the couple is the restaurant manager and new partner of Ronan, Elinor Lawless. She initially serves as the comic relief, but she's also the validation for what transpires.

Directed by Lucy Jane Atkinson, Meat is at Theatre 503 until 14 March.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Photos by Alex Brenner

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