Leicester Square Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 17th April 2013
"Two strangers, Charlie and Ed, sit in a dusty flat in North London. Charlie is an anxiety ridden twenty something and Ed is his socially awkward live-in landlord. One needs a roof over his head, the other just wants a friend. A late running parcel, delayed girlfriend and stilted conversation build the tension in the room. Just how much can the two tolerate before one of them snaps...?"
Between Ten and Six is a one act dark comedy by Chris Mayo which certainly keeps the audience entertained throughout. The play opens with Charlie (played by Chris Mayo) waiting for his landlord to enter. He eventually arrives wearing a woman’s apron which provides a moment of hilarity. It immediately becomes obvious that both characters are very different and it is extremely awkward to watch them interacting in the same room.
Ed has a parcel on the way so wants Charlie to wait with him which initially seemed like a good idea although I thought it was a little too obvious as to where the play was going. I kept on asking the questions: "Why would he stay? Why would anyone?"
Owen Llewelyn gives a very stereotypical portrayal of a mentally unstable man which made Charlie's decision to stay even more questionable - why would he stay in this awkward situation for as long as he did?This aside there are some wonderful moments, from Ed and Charlie playing awkward games to them resulting to snorting cocaine - there is plenty of extreme behaviour!
When violence and murder creep into the play it starts to feel a little silly which is a great shame. The fight scenes looked far too safe indicating that more rehearsal time was needed. Such beautiful tension had been built which was just thrown away.
Between Ten and Six is a good production but there is work to be done. However, I would still recommend seeing this play as it is a fantastic comedy with big potential. Not only is Chris Mayo a very talented actor but also an emerging writer. He is certainly one to watch!
Reviewed by Deborah Hargreaves
Between Ten and Six runs at Leicester Square Theatre until 20th April 2013.
Please visit www.cuckoobang.co.uk for further information.
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