one4review | On 10, Aug 2013

**

There is a claustrophobic and menacing feel about Richard Dresser’s play. It is set in an industrial complex in a desert land, producing thousands of units of what we are not told.

In the opening scene, Dobbitt (Tom Golding) arrives. He is sharing accommodation with Hanrahan (Graham Dickson) who is far from welcoming, disputing every word that Dobbitt utters. This sets the tone of the dialogue which follows. Both work as checkers in a department headed by Merkin (Mike Wozniak). Much of their ensuing conversations are spent in unrelenting and repetitive verbal sparring as they dissect their relationships to each other.

The humour is densely black. Each of the characters appears to be on the edge of sanity, pulling back just in time before they might eventually lose it altogether. The acting is impeccable but the overall impression may be one of puzzlement. It is also really difficult to empathise with any of the characters.

Reviewed by Ben

Pleasance Courtyard; 33

31 July to 26 August 2013 (not 12)

15.25 – 16.25

Fringe Programme Page Number: 259