Review: Another Way at the Cockpit Theatre

Another Way

Cockpit Theatre

Reviewed on Friday 13th September 2013

2013 has been a massive year for London's Fringe. We have seen many revivals and new pieces of writing staged to a certain quality and standard which simply never would have happened several years ago. When you see a bad fringe production it can be spectacularly bad, but when you see something incredible it feels like you've discovered a hidden gem which is exactly how I felt after seeing Another Way at the Cockpit Theatre.

Another Way tells three stories about three London-based couples - friends, family and lovers - which gently intertwine over the course of three months. The concept doesn't sound particularly groundbreaking in writing, but on stage it certainly feels very different to anything I've seen before as Bo Boland's direction is very cinematic. In fact, the storyline between Carrie (played by Julie Atherton) and Oliver (played by Andy Coxon) feels like a like a British rom-com on stage, it's surprising that nothing similar has been done before.

Sarah Henley and Tori Allen-Martin's script could not be any more honest and funny. The art of realism is hard to master when it comes to both writing and performing, but in Another Way it is written and performed to perfection, making the show incredibly relatable and appealing to those young at heart and to those who are easily won over by a soppy, true-to-life love story.

Julie Atherton is an extraordinary actress, while her voice is uniquely amazing and identifiable, she always displays great versatility and there seems to be nothing she cannot do. Here Julie reminds us what a fantastic comedic actress she is by bouncing perfectly off the cast and audience. There are so many roles I would love to see Julie play and it is always so refreshing to see her supporting new writing, although I do want her back in the West End again soon!

The rest of the cast are also strong, particularly Andy Coxon as Oliver and Bart Edwards as Toby. Andy's performance is very detailed, his small mannerisms expose Oliver's inner vulnerability, allowing the audience to warm to him within seconds. It is also a joy to listen to Andy's smooth vocal tones, particularly when he shows off his effortless higher register. Bart Edwards manages to convey Toby's cockiness and confidence without becoming unlikeable and arrogant. His performance is hysterical.

Another Way is very close to being something very exciting. With a few tiny tweaks and some further development the show could be huge as so many people will be able to relate to it so strongly. While I love Benedict's score I feel that something is missing. The moment when Carrie asks Oliver to move in with her is beautiful but so much more could be made of it. 

The show is pining for the one or two defining musical numbers that the audience can leave humming and wanting to download on iTunes. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not asking for Another Way to be stuffed with commercial cheese. Benedict's music is undeniably haunting and very fitting in certain places, particularly during the transitions between the three stories. The band are terrific although the sound issues became slightly irritating. 

I also wasn't a fan of the musical's opening which involves the audience being herded like sheep into the centre of the stage. While it was nice to hear the cast's voices from all around, in the scheme of things it didn't really bring much to the piece. There is a difference between being different for a reason and being different for the sake of being different.

I sincerely hope that every theatre producer in London clears their diary and makes time to come and see Another Way. While some will not get it and will miss its potential, under the right guidance the future could potentially be very exciting for this show. I also saw Interval Productions' most recent show at the Cockpit, Streets. While the show was fantastic and very contemporary, after it transferred to the Hackney Empire I felt there was nowhere else for it to go. It had made its point and reached the end of its journey (although I do think it would be perfect for a schools tour). Whereas with Another Way the future is full of endless possibilities, I think I may have fallen in love with this very special piece of theatre.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins

andrew@westendframe.com

Another Way runs at the Cockpit Theatre until Saturday 5th October 2013.

Please visit www.thecockpit.org.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

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