one4review | On 06, Aug 2016

This is a companion piece to Vanishing Point’s The Destroyed Room (also at The Lyceum) but an altogether easier watch. At times as cringe worthy as a 21st Century Abigail’s Party, the audience acts as voyeurs as we watch the drama on the stage unfold. Gazing from the darkness of the theatre stalls into the window of a brightly lit Scandinavian house, the home of an elderly man and his granddaughter, we can see that they are hosting a dinner for young and old friends. We can’t hear what they say. All we can do is observe their often hilarious and occasionally painfully sad interactions. Eventually an off stage ghostly presence joins us in our observation and adds an often funny but sparse commentary on the character’s actions and inner thoughts. This presence eventually materialises onto the stage and looks through the window with us before floating off at the end of the play in search of another brightly lit room to gaze upon. There are many laugh out loud moments – the dance routine to Buggles ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ is a stand out – but with the laughter there is often sadness which reflects the reality of lives being touched by tragedy and joy.
This was a hugely enjoyable piece, superbly acted by all the cast and extremely well received by the audience.
****
Reviewed by Rona
The Lyceum 6-8th August