Saturday, July 22, 2023

The Hidden Review: Love is Blue - Theatre Review

 



The THR has watched Love is Blue playing at The Drayton Arms Theatre from July 20th-22nd, just before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe. This two-hander, part of four plays produced by LAMBCO Productions, is about an unlikely encounter between a slick city trader and a young man who is homeless and he helps out by inviting him back to his loft apartment for a shower and some food.

The two leads are very engaging as they explore their new-found understanding of each other’s pasts;
Olly is an older man who is quite a drinker as he is grieving for his late boyfriend. The more introspective and somewhat naive younger man reveals his childhood trauma of being abandoned at six months old and adopted by a religious family.

Furthermore, the director Prav MJ follows a stylish direction as it takes us on an emotional roller coaster journey. The characters live out their attraction to each other and reveal, more and more, a respective pain blossoming into a friendship.

At the same time, the songs used throughout the play increase the technology aspect of the setting as Olly uses his Alexa device to play music that reminds him of the time he spent with his partner in New York.
They both find a bonding relationship by singing beautifully in unexpected ways, and the story reveals a fascinating turn when Olly tries to kiss Aaron.

Don Cotter’s script is superb as he draws out some beautiful moments while the pace increases engagement.
Andrew Ewart plays beautifully a younger character reflecting a street-wise and introspective characterization showing a delicate nuance and vulnerability.
Moreover, Sam Walter plays Olly, who performs his role with vigour and, at the same time, with great delicacy as he sometimes breaks the fourth wall while speaking to his dead lover;

However, he is moving as he deals with his loss, delivering a speech at his boyfriend’s memorial that is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Overall, this play is a great and original piece of theatre.

Hidden Fire stars 8/10 ⭐️

Review written by Tino Orsini



© 2023 The Hidden Review

Monday, July 17, 2023

The Hidden Review: So...you knew? - Theatre Review

 

"So...you knew?"


The THR watched at the Barons Court Theatre "So...you knew?" written by Bart Bartolini and directed by Maria Cristina Petitti. During a week of mixed weather, it was very apt to see a solo show dealing with the climate change crisis that was told in such a powerfully uplifting way.


The performer Bart Bartolini is terrific as he takes us on an energetic, funny and thought-provoking journey from the early eighties to the present day and beyond into the future, playing various characters with great confidence and charisma.

Primarily Willie, a former scientist who uncovers the truth about carbon dioxide emissions while working at Essen Mobil and balancing life with his wife and child.


Moreover, using a backdrop projector adds a very engaging multidimensional aspect to the show, whilst the lighting and overall design, at times overwhelming, keep the audience intrigued and mesmerised.


At the same time, the director Maria Cristina Petitti uses some interesting techniques and concepts that keep the momentum going throughout, like breaking the fourth wall and involving the audience in a quiz, and even Bartolini breaking out in dance, song or conversing in other languages.


However, this play is not only hugely entertaining and engaging, but it also educates and raises awareness of the global climate change crisis and is a stark reminder that we are all responsible for the future of our planet.


Overall, this show can go further afield and comes highly recommended to anyone interested in theatre performance with a strong message handled with lightness, humour and, therefore, a great deal of hope.


Hidden Fire stars 9/10 ⭐️

Review written by Tino Orsini


© 2023 The Hidden Review