Review: Jonah and Otto at the Park Theatre

Jonah and Otto
Park Theatre (Park200)
Reviewed on Wednesday 29th October 2014
★★★

Jonah and Otto explores the unlikely and sometimes twisted bond formed between two men. One is older whilst the other is younger, but both have many things to get off their chests. Set in a seaside town on the south coast of England, the Park Theatre space is wide and empty which creates the perfect atmosphere for Tim Stark's revival of Robert Holman's play.

At first it's hard to connect to the piece as we know very little about these men, yet they are standing in front of us reflecting upon many aspects of their lives. However, as Stark's production continues we are gradually let in and I eventually became intrigued. There are occasional moments which touch and amuse, but overall consistency is missing.

It's quite nice to see something so simple. There is no expensive set or big storyline to hide behind. Instead the cast can only rely on each other; fortunately Peter Egan and Alex Waldmann's chemistry is spot on. Ultimately Jonah and Otto is a play about humanity, friendship and the fascinating coping mechanisms some of us have in place. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Jonah and Otto runs at the Park Theatre until 23rd November 2014.

Please visit www.parktheatre.co.uk for further information and tickets.

Photo Credit: Jack Sain

Follow @West_End_Frame