REVENGE - REVIEW

Produced by Crime and Comedy Company | Performed at Towngate Theatre Basildon  

Robin Hawdon’s “Revenge” is everything you would expect of a dated thriller. Slightly slow starting first half to establish the plot, but with a second half so full of twists and turns i actually didn’t know what was going to happen next. And when seeing shows like this, the more cornily ridiculous the better in my opinion. Throw in unexpected deaths/rebirths/ wildly convoluted plots and you’ll put a smile on my face.

It’s quite wordy, and unrealistic in places (the broken ankle and mismatch of technologies) but enjoyable nonetheless. There were a few plot give aways; the white scarf for example. But that’s just nitpicking.

Even being in my 30s, I was probably the youngest person in the audience. The chatter from people discussing the play in the interval, brought warmth to my heart. The audience was warm and engaged throughout. Laughing in unison at the few well timed moments of humour in the play. Plus an added comic bonus during the interval; when a lady in the audience missed her seat and ended up on the floor, comments like “i want what she’s been drinking” “better not let her drive home” rattled through the theatre bringing more laughter amongst strangers.

Two handers are intense and the cast were committed and worked hard with a script that tended to err on the side of unnatural speech. Although it would be odd to go to a thriller called “revenge” hoping for a relatable story line or words that speak to your heart.

This type of production isn’t going to rock the boat or push boundaries, but it still has a place in the theatre industry. Although i’m clearly not the intended audience, I went not expecting to be blown away and was pleasantly surprised and engaged throughout. But perhaps after the last few years, being part of an audience who were having a lovely evening out was all I needed. Live theatre – can’t beat it.