Review: 'As Thyself'

By Kat Ronson,

Before reading our review catch our preview of the production on the ((URY PLAYER)) here now!

The first thing to note about this play is that I was completely immersed in every word from beginning to end. The set was very sparse and simple, with writer and director Isla Van Tricht choosing to keep the Barn a black box. There were little props involved and chairs were used to change the scenes. There was partial use of the sides of the Barn, as we were sat in thrust seating whilst the rest of the audience faced the actors. The set was extremely simple and perhaps a little bland; however this totally contrasted the writing.

This play was incredibly well-written and the concept was beautifully innovative. Based around three main characters; A, B and C, we are taken through their past experiences with 1, 2, 3 and 4 portraying some of their stories. This included some direct participation with the audience and even had some characters sitting next to us. Every cast member was brilliant, especially Ryan Hall. He portrayed C to be a wonderfully eccentric professor-type and he helped break the fourth wall. A particular moment of brilliance was when he analysed the relationship between 3 and 4 - comic genius.  1 and 2 were played by Lorrel Chakelian and Qaisar Siddiqui, who were performing a movement piece along to the Beatle’s track Blackbird. The juxtaposition of this gentle song with the aggressive beatings was totally captivating. It should also be noted that they were so carefully and realistically portrayed that I had to stop myself from cowering behind the person next to me. The movement slowly morphed into beautifully soft, bird-like gestures; expertly choreographed by Gabrielle Holcroft. 3 and 4 (Edd Riley and Harriet Cox) contrasted this with some light-hearted comic moments which gave the audience a much needed sigh of relief. My only disappointment was that these two actors were not involved more, their comic timing was excellent and having interaction between characters contrasted the long monologues of A, B and C.

The production as a whole was totally slick and well –rehearsed, which shone through every minute of the performance. However, the staging of the play was slightly less innovative than the writing. Van Tricht did tend to re-use the same techniques, such as characters speaking in unison, but the short length of the play meant this was less of an issue. Nevertheless, the play had different tones throughout; a triumph considering the little interaction between characters, a sparse set and non-descript settings of scenes.

This play makes you look at your own experiences; some funny and some extremely dark. Isla Van Tricht has an exceptional talent for writing. The play was short, but the rollercoaster you experience in those forty minutes is extraordinary. All of the performances were sensitive and entrancing, the choreography harrowing yet beautiful and the production on a whole completely fascinating.  I wanted more.

Hear our full audio review now on YorWorld on the ((URY PLAYER))!