Category: Review
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THEATRE REVIEW | The Rotters’ Club
Young in age, but precocious in talent, the cast of fifteen actors stood proud and commanded the stage with their strong ability to project, act with a great emotional range, and move around effortlessly, all with unrivalled energy.
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THEATRE REVIEW | English Touring Opera’s Don Giovanni – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour
★★★ | English Touring Opera’s Don Giovanni – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour:
Lust, passion, revenge, deceit, drama and sex all combine in the gloom of the subterranean tunnels in Don Giovanni, the classic opera, performed by English Touring Opera.
Picture credit – Richard Hubert SmithOpening with him fleeing the scene of a murder, Don Giovanni is pursued by his past, including the bitter lover he jilted, the bride-to-be he seduces (along with her jealous husband-to-be), and also by the daughter of his latest victim who seeks to redress the balance of his wrongdoings. This opera is brimming with drama from the passionate opening bars of the overture to the supernatural denouement. Part thriller and part comedy, the opera is ambiguous enough for you to decide whether Don Giovanni is a murder, philanderer and criminal, or whether he is a hero of defiance who refuses to allow his behaviour to be governed by social convention and authority.
Mozart’s opera has shades of both light and dark in it, with delicate comic touches and some witty one liners buried in the brooding tale of lust, murder, insatiable sexual appetites, betrayal and revenge. Sung in English, this version is relatively accessible and is presented with subtitles to ensure that even an opera novice can get the most out of the story.
Out of the cast, George von Bergen was as charismatic as Don Giovanni himself in his portrayal of the titular character, with his booming baritone voice and cocksure swagger fleshing out the anti-hero of the piece, whilst Matthew Stiff provided much needed comic relief in his cheeky turn as Leporello, Giovanni’s servant.
The static set design worked well, with the oppressively tall structure and a metal staircase dominating the stage and to some extent, blurring the time frame of the piece, making the themes of the opera feel simultaneously traditional but still relevant. Equally, the themes of above and below ground level intimated by the catacombs remind the audience that this is an opera which also deals with the issue of class and Anna Fleischle’s design reflects that nicely. Guy Hoare’s lighting design is subtle and unobtrusive throughout, but yet explodes into dramatic and assertive visuals which not only accompany, but utterly enhance the culmination of the story in the closing scenes. Musically, Mozart’s score was beautifully played by the English Touring Opera’s orchestra and the addition of live music always enhances a piece such as this.
Opera is often shunned and thought of as being rather elitist, but the reality is very different. Don Giovanni pulls together the darker themes of opera, enhances it with some lighter moments, but which retains all of the passion, power and dramatics one would expect.
English Touring Opera is currently at Sheffield Theatres , before continuing on its extensive UK tour until the 10th June 2016 with a trio of operas – Don Giovanni, Iphigenie En Tauride and Pia De’ Tolomei. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.englishtouringopera.org.uk
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REVIEWED | The Best Roll On Deodorants
here’s the top deodorants that you need in your life right now.
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Freshen Up Your Skin With Epsom Skin Clinic
Is your skin in dire need of some rejuvenation?
CREDIT: ©-CandyBoxImages-Depositphotos FILE PHOTO If your face is in need of some much needed tender loving care then you could do with a professional facial.
Recently I was invited by Epsom Skin Clinic to try out an Agera Vitamin C Skin Peel (£65) to renew my Winter blasted skin.
It’s surprising how much the seasons affect your skin, but Wnter is one of the toughest. Cold Wintery snaps, our dependence on central heating and high-street shops that have those electric fan heaters on full blast can all take their toll on your skin – and if you’re not in the habit of using sunscreen, that low hanging winter’s sun is probably doing more damage than you think.
Let’s not forget the dreadful Winter colds and flus that many of us suffer, stingy eyes, red raw snotty noses and dreadful dry mouth – by the time Spring comes around you’re about ready for a kick start to your skincare regime.
As I lay down on the heated therapy table in the lush surroundings of Epsom Skin Clinic’s rooms in Rush – Piccadilly, I’m immediately put at ease. The soft sounds of calming music and a feeling of warmth surrounds me in a completely relaxing bubble.
I’m here to try the Agera Vitamin C Skin Peel, a treatment which promises to tighten, brighten and rejuvenate giving my skin much needed powerful antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage – sign me up.
I’m warned as we start that my skin may start to sting, but it’s actually pleasant, I’m no stranger to having treatments and compared to a dermaroller procedure or a bit of dermabrasion, this treatment is a walk in the park.
The facial takes around 30 minutes to complete and as I leave the central London clinic, my skin feels refreshed, renewed and glowing.
The next day despite being warned that I might look red and a little irritated I’m amazed to find that my skin looks 10 years younger. Really fresh, really balanced.
Charlotte Botting for Epsom Skin Clinic suggests that for Spring you follow her top 5 tips for keeping your skin fresh, youthful and protected.
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1. Wear an SPF – this should be done all year round but reminding clients at this time of year when the sun starts to make an appearance, SPF is the number one product to help with skin ageing.
2. Antioxidants – these powerful vitamins how protect the skin from harmful free radicals and pollution.
3. Re think your professional treatments – as the sun is out your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage so maybe hold off on the stronger treatments and try light peels and microdermabrasions.
4. Use an exfoliator – slough off dead skin cells to reveal smooth brighter looking skin.
5. Dump your Winter products – If you are still using products from the Winter months they may be too thick going into spring. Pick something lightweight that won’t leave you feeling greasy but provides enough hydration.
For more information call Epsom Skin Clinics 01372 737280 or 0207 042 3200 for the London clinic.
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60 Second Film Review | 10 Cloverfield Lane
10 CLOVERFIELD LANE – The Man behind Star Wars/Trek & Mission impossible takes on Horror, Thrillers & Sci-Fi & that’s just for starters
Nutshell – If ever there was a film that the less you know and see of it in advance it is this one. Is it a sequel to the original excellent Cloverfield ?… Well it’s in there somewhere, but with JJ Abrams in the background, who gave us 150 episodes of the ultimate spoiler friendly show Lost before Star Trek and the galaxy far far away there will always be more questions than answers. Part one is effectively Saw like then it hits full-blown Hitchcock for the tense 3 plus hander second section before the third part comes along which is a real barnstorming gobsmacker. Basically three people trapped in an underground bunker after an unknown possible Russian attack. Something for everyone then.
Time – 102 mins (and you won’t be able to take one minute more); Certificate – 15
Tagline – “Monsters Come In Many Forms” or do they !!!!!!!
THE GAY UK FACTOR – No gay angle and nothing really for your cock here so take your straight mates and have a night of quality brain food rather than ogling Messrs Hemsworth, Statham or Reynolds and forgetting the plot.
Cast – A tight team like a good stage play of John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Gallagher Jr and oh there is a sex god in it with the voice of Bradley Cooper.
Key Player – Mary Elizabeth Winstead is so good here and just as well as she is in every scene. She is believable when vulnerable and can switch to funny or fight back mode in a second which happens a lot here. The film would have been bigger with a starrier cast though.
Budget – $15 million one of the lowest budget American films we have reviewed for a very long time but don’t worry this should make it into the English dictionary under ‘less is more’ and oh that climatic last act… So far it has made back 5 times its budget at $75 million and climbing now that’s a better investment than British Steel.
Best Bit – 40 mins; Well we couldn’t pick anything from the last act due to spoiling the twists for yourselves. At 40 mins Michelle sees the effects outside of the bunker for the first time creating more questions than answers and then gets trapped in an airlock between two evils.
Worst Bit – 30 mins; When the three in the bunker start to let their hair down and relax, have fun and tick the days off from their forced ‘two year’ confinement all to the poppy tune Tell Him by the Exciters. They should have used Bette Midler’s version. It lets up the tension probably necessarily but us gay guys love a full on thrill ride with no brakes.
Little Secret – The petrol station in the film is not Esso or Shell but Kelvin the same as in JJ’s Super 8. It is a tribute to Abram’s maternal grandfather and he puts it in all his projects; In Mission Impossible it is on a letter, in Star Trek the ship is called the USS Kelvin etc etc and we know where it is in Star Wars The Force Awakens but we will let you find that for yourselves – it’s a doozey ! JJ describes this film as the ‘Blood Relative’ of the original movie and in the future they will be linked together in a whole Cloverfield universe with other movies he hopes to make which will be tough as the first one is hand-held camera footage and this is standard filmed action from beyond the fourth wall that we are used too.
Movie Mistake – There are so many mysteries in this film that you are not sure what is a film mistake and what is deliberate to keep the questions flying around. Should the blood on the ring from the dead girl some years ago be still wet, the appearing and disappearing bandage on Goodman’s leg is it a mistake or the passage of time and the change of daytime to night in the ‘farmhouse’ scene was it deliberate. What is wrong is the ease that a character gets radio messages in one scene but not for the rest of the movie and oh that ever-changing size of spaghetti. Where was the continuity boy, probably off set blowing someone to try and get a walk on part.
Awards – Not for this one but it will boost Winstead’s career immensely and it is great to have Goodman back. JJ Abrams is probably working on Cloverfield 3 which we will probably get before his next Star Wars outing.
Further Viewing – Cloverfield, Room, All 53 of Alfred Hitchcocks, Saw’s 1-6, Sleuth and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Also Metal Hurlant Chronicles: Shelter Me which has the same plot and even the same character name, and series two of Lost where a guy is staying in a bunker fearing outside contamination with the same end results so now JJ is recycling his own plots and we are starting to feel as though we are trapped in a time-warp on an island with a smoke monster and some polar bears.
Any Good – If you want a great thriller that is not like anything you have ever seen before although in many ways is this is for you. A great change from all the blockbusters and superheroes but fans of those will appreciate this too. A lot of great talent is behind this film and as the budget is so low these creative genius’ are free to let their hair down and have fun with the story, its set-up and pay-off. Most of all it is so so tense and you will be gripping the arm of your seat so tightly as if you have just got a hold of Channing Tatum’s bulging ‘Magic Mike‘ for the very first time.
Rating 54/100 (54th out of the last 100 films reviewed with 1 being Gay UK filmatic ejaculatery heaven and 100 being as much fun as watching a winner of the Voice’s mega successful chart career)
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CAR REVIEW | Jeep Renegade 2.0 Multijet 2 Trailhawk 170bhp
Chunky Monkey ★★★★
Love it or hate it, the Jeep Renegade is here for you. And I am glad Jeep have been bold enough to make it this way. The compact Sport Utility Vehicle crossover market is awash with similar looking choices except for the Nissan Juke and now Jeep have entered the market with something different. I was granted a week’s worth of play in the new Renegade 2.0 Trailhawk.
Jeep have gone out of their way to remind you that you are in a Jeep. Company logos are everywhere. It’s on the speaker grills, boot trim and there is even a little Willy’s Jeep silhouette on the windscreen. They have even made it an integral part of the rearview mirror units sensor housing. It also reads Jeep on the door mirror glass. It’s this attention to detail that stands out on the Jeep and shows the passion Jeep have given into getting it right on this new model.
Their passion is further evident in the build quality. Everything feels very solid like you should expect in a Jeep but has for sometime been missing. A pleasant surprise is discovered when you realise that the Jeep Renegade is built in Italy. Parent company Fiat have finally taken building cars seriously. The Teutonic class masters had better watch out!
To some the looks are a bit marmite. You either love it or loathe it. You can’t take away the fact it is quite square in shape despite the designers adding some curves in the panels and giving it a face. Even the wheel arches, clad in handy body protecting plastic, are square in shape. The windows are square. Even the boot opening is large and square. Its rugged looks are magnified by some retro take on the proportions and big exterior trim like the door handles. Choose your colour wisely though. The red mine came in was quickly renamed “The postman Pat Van” at work. And check out the options because there are enhancements available for that face.
With any compact SUV with the ability to go where you want, there has to be some give and take in the ride or handling areas. Thankfully the ride wasn’t as harsh as you first thought it was. On first acquaintance with the Jeep it wasn’t as squidgy as an old Cherokee. It was as firm as the class leaders in this segment. Once I had covered a few miles I noticed it smoothed out the road quite amiably and no harsh thuds or trim rattles were evident and the heated electric seats are comfortable. What it couldn’t do was live up to the Sport in SUV. The all-weather tyres did scrabble for traction when thrown into sharp corners. The handling is safe and predictable with no bump steer evident and almost no body roll at all.
There are plenty of 4X4 options available for you to select on the centre console. There is a solution for every surface if you so choose or leave it to work it out itself. With all its heritage there is no doubting that the Jeep would be able to take you as far away as you’d like off the beaten track.
Sadly the fine build quality is a little lost on engine refinement. It’s not a quiet engine. It gets quieter when it gets warmer and when it is in its stride on the motorway it settles down to an inaudible hum. The smooth-shifting 9 speed automatic gearbox making changes low down keeping the engine revs around peak torque performance for when extra grunt is needed. In traffic and when the stop-start stops it, you know about it. A little more padding on the bulkhead and bonnet would sort this out to great effect. What did surprise me was those all-weather tyres bringing absolutely no road noise into the cabin. Any boxy vehicle with this amount of cabin space is almost always susceptible to a little bit of rumble. You would have to drive with square wheels for it to become an annoyance, especially in the back.
It doesn’t lack back seat passenger space but it does lack things to do. One passenger I had complained that there was nothing to do except look out of the full-length panoramic sunroof. I’m glad she found enjoyment in this £1100 option. Sadly, in this case, the square shape of the Jeep does make it unbearable to have open over 30mph. Thankfully the driver is not bored. The driving position is commanding in location and all viewpoints were clear, the large windscreen posts were not intrusive into the forward view. The facia layout was very clear and setting up the features as fitted to this model were made easy from its steering wheel buttons and heads up display. The comprehensive infotainment system was simple to use and comprehensive. I don’t know if it was intended as a bit of fun but the poo coloured mud splatter on the rev counters limit area was the butt of endless jokes.
The £200 LaneSense option is worth having. Unlike some systems, it either over-assisted or stiffened up when driving between lanes unless you indicated first. For a relatively new system to me I have to say that the Jeep’s worked well, however for something that could have the potential to save lives if one was to nod off at the wheel, it automatically switches off if it detects no hands on the wheel.
Running costs for such a vehicle are quite easy to live with. It arrived to me managing 39.9mpg. I had managed to get that down to 37mpg with my usual mix of driving and then back up to 39.8mpg when it was returned thanks to a trip to Birmingham and back.
There are a few niggles about the Jeep I would like improved but there was nothing that made me wish I was driving something else. As mentioned the engine noise ruined an otherwise nice driving space and if it wasn’t for the sunroof, the cabin would be a bit dark. Would l have one? Yes but not in red!
Likes
Build quality
Driving position
Rugged Jeep looks
Loathes
Engine noise
Dark interior
Noisy alarm on/off activation
The Lowdown
Car – Jeep Renegade 2.0 Multijet 2 Trailhawk 170bhp
Price – £31,765 (as tested)
MPG – 47.9mpg (combined)
Power – 170bhp
0-62mph – 8.9 seconds
Top Speed – 122mph
Co2 – 155 (g/km)
Find out more jeep.co.uk
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TRAVEL REVIEW | B-Apart of Brussels
Brussels is still a modest yet highly spirited neighbouring city with an extremely active gay scene (more so than London).
Attractive deals with Eurostar can take you from London to the heart of Brussels in 2 hours with fares from as little as £58.00 return (March 2016). With the gay scene in London becoming somewhat embarrassing, take an easy ride to this quaint, convenient and charming city where you can pelt yourself into their friendly and loyal gaybourhood.
Accommodation options available to travellers used to be limited mainly to hotels and dare I say it hostels however in the last say 8 years we have seen an increase of shared accommodation services that entice LGBT travellers – they are all great and serve a purpose yet if you are in need of modernized surroundings with complete privacy in a generous spaced apartment and not a ‘bedroom sized’ hotel room then the option of B-Aparthotels should be high on your list.
B-Aparthotels has 5 pristine properties in the Brussels city area and located close to the important fun things to do – especially their property near Grand Place. Instructions to enter this fresh and orderly establishment is very slick and whilst there is no reception desk staff you instantly receive a warm welcome with the cleanliness and sleek instructions on how to obtain your room key in order to navigate to your very own apartment.
All B-Aparthotels are stocked with quality toiletries, kitchenware, appliances and has daily housekeeping service all-inclusive of the decent room rates that are available for their swank 1, 2, 3 bedroom, penthouse and duplex apartments.
The thought of hotel rooms for business or leisure travellers, meant working, sleeping and eating in the one, often cramped space. It also made travelling for families and groups expensive, with multiple rooms required to accommodate everyone. Features, unique to apartment hotels, allow you to cook your own meals, do your own laundry, and relax with plenty of space. B-Aparthotels attracts guests who stay for days, weeks or months at a time.
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Staying at this B-Aparthotel allows you to be in the midst of Brussels restaurant row. Rue des Bouchers is the gateway to a neighbourhood of food where there are more than 70 restaurants, one next to the other, on the street levels of the old step-roofed stone, brick and timber buildings in what is one of the oldest sections of historical central Brussels.
Rue du Marché au Charbon is a short and pleasant walking distance from the B-Aparthotel (Grand Place) and it’s this cobbled stretch that sits numerous gay bars, restaurants and plays host to the heartbeat of Gay Brussels – a place where you will want to B-Apart of.
Find out more visit B Aparthotels
Star rating: ★★★★★
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60 SECOND FILM REVIEW | Batman V SuperMan
BATMAN V SUPERMAN : DAWN OF JUSTICE – Endless muscles in tight spandex fighting for dominance
CREDIT: Warner Bros Nutshell – For once all the opinions and advance reviews are spot on. It is overlong, extremely confusing and although fine just not as good as you want it to be. DC comics set out to do a Marvel ‘Avengers’ and launch a huge network of films off the back of this movie which features no fewer than 7 separate superheroes all due their own films with an incredible 10 movies depending on this one’s success. Following directly on from ‘Superman’s’ Man Of Steel movie the two main protagonists both believe the other is simply plain bad news for planet earth and set out to make Metropolis or Gotham one superhero lighter. Legendary Superman baddie Lex Luther really starts screwing things up along the way and Supes has his usual love interest Lois Lane but Batman does not and in all that tight leather one starts to suspect he bat’s for our team.
Time – Holy bat haemorrhoid’s a ring punishing 151 mins; Certificate – 12A so no real violence here
Tagline – “Who Will Win” or ” The World’s finest have arrived” take your pick
THE GAY UK FACTOR – If you are into leather there is a tonne of it, tight spandex with bulges even more. Henry Cavill was recently voted fourth sexiest man on the planet and here we see him climbing into the bath-tub with a naked Lois Lane but he keeps he clothes on – damn you kid friendly cinema ratings we were hoping for the Cavill cock or at least an ass shot.
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Cast – Four Oscar winners all running on automatic here. Ben Affleck as the Bat has two statuettes but not for his acting, Kevin Costner, Holly Hunter & Jeremy Irons won’t get more awards here. Henry Cavill probably the worst actor on the planet not called Sam Worthington, Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) with all the best lines like a good baddie should have, Amy Adams (Enchanted) as Lois Lane & Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix)
Key Player – Gal Gadot, fresh from lighting up all the best Fast and Furious films this Israeli actress and super model only has 16 lines but Dame Judi Dench style steals the whole movie from the guys and when she turns up as Wonder Woman at one point one of the new franchises to be going forward the movie truly flies.
Budget – $250 million one of the biggest budgets in movie history and at least you can say the majority of it is up on the screen. A few less characters and therefore less paycheques would have made a better more coherent film. It has made $170 million so far so looking OK in a sort of Waterworld way where it makes money but due to expectations everyone sees as a flop
ALSO READ: Someone just made the Batman V Superman trailer gay and we love it.
ALSO READ: Homophobe calls himself Batman before exposing his penis.
Best Bit – 1.58 mins; When at last the two superheroes meet and start to duke it out so that they can save the life of another major character orchestrated by Luther. The idea that Batman with his earthly powers does not stand a chance against the alien strength of the world spinning Superman should be a problem but oh no this is a fair fight when who wins is always in doubt and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Worst Bit – 49 mins; When Wonder Woman breaks into lex Luther’s computer and discovers a handful of other superheroes such as The Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman all with their movie franchises to come but it’s when this film really starts to get unnecessarily confusing – one film at a time please guys. They are all due to form a part of the legendary Justice League hence the subtitle here ‘Dawn Of Justice’
Little Secret – Ben Affleck stated in a interview that he had asked if he could have the batsuit when filming was complete. The producers said yes, but that he would have to pay $100,000 in order to keep it. Affleck quickly changed his mind and asked if he could just take a picture with it instead. This is the first Batman film ever to be released outside of the lucrative Summer blockbuster period and the first to be filmed in 3D. Matt Damon, Joachin Phoenix and Bradley Cooper were all sought for the Lex Luther part. This is the 10th Batman film in 75 years but the 16th for Superman.
Movie Mistake – Quite a few we could mention the ever changing coffin lid at a key funeral, the movie script pinned to Clark Kent’s suit when he climbs into the bath etc but there is such a major goof that it just jars. After the two heroes have a very long nasty bone crunching fight where Batman’s cowl is smashed; the bat then flies off to beat up another bunch of thugs without any evidence of muscle strain! But what’s this? – The Bat is in a completely different batsuit and with no broken cowl yet only a couple of minutes had passed and in that time he had to get from Gotham to Metropolis as well – now that’s super powers or just truly crap continuity.
Someone at the Daily Planet needs to check the spelling of the word ‘Mourning’ too.
Awards – Maybe for effects, stunts and technical teams and Golden Raspberries for poor acting from Affleck and especially Cavill and maybe for director Zach Snyder who spent all that cash on a 3 star film and who certainly needs to find a decent editor to cut some scenes out.
Zach you are risking 10 movies here on a gamble you may have lost.
Further Viewing – Man Of Steel, The Dark Knight, Avengers Assemble, Alien V Predator, Iron Man 3 & Captain America Winter Soldier the best comic book movies and the recently released Gay porn parody of Batman V Superman from Men.com where Supe’s injects some serious kryptonite into a doubled over gaping bat hole or bat cave as it were… oh we mean ass!
Any Good – Well it is fine, no better no worse, you won’t be asking for your money back and you will probably check out all the MANY films that will follow from this, in fact most of it’s problems stem from the fact that it is trying to set up a whole cinematic universe that will run and run for a decade rather than concentrating on this plot. Affleck is fine and although no Christian Bale, is worthy to continue in the black cape whereas Henry Cavill who is actually a Brit is at least very easy on the eye and gets to wear the tightest gear; He wants Bond but please Mrs Broccoli please don’t do it. The action is fine without being memorable, the early part is clever picking up from the previous Man Of steel film neatly and as for that solo Wonder Woman project well that can come as soon as it wants.
Rating – 72/100 (72nd out of the last 100 films reviewed with 1 being Gay UK filmatic ejaculatery heaven and 100 being as much fun as watching The Green Lantern film in a double bill with the stinking Fantastic Four movie in wet underpants and an overtight cock ring.
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RESTAURANT REVIEW | Beefeater Bar+ Block Birmingham
A sincere, surprising, and delicious treat was had at the Beefeater Bar + Block, rivalling every other I have ever been to. There was an immediate warm welcome from a staff member who said that someone would be with us right away, and right away he was.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Bug
★★★★★ | Bug
In a run down motel room in Oklahoma City, cocktail waitress Agnes is killing time, hitting the bottle and smoking a little crack with her lesbian friend R.C. Hiding from her violent ex and trying to numb the pain of her past; the evening takes a sudden unexpected turn when a stranger arrives.
CREDIT: Simon AnnandFound 111 is an intimate new theatre space on Charing Cross Road that perfectly suits Tracy Letts’ gripping and claustrophobic 1996 play. The audience are all around the four sides of the tiny motel room and the actors are within touching distance. The airless heat of the room built up as the tension ramped higher and it becomes appropriately oppressive. By Act Two the audience itches and scratches and bristles with tension as the characters descend into a deranged scenario. Theatre doesn’t often feel as real as this. The play is gruesome, disturbing but darkly comical which is what you’d expect from Letts; the author of hit films Killer Joe and August: Osage County.
There was a major distraction for me in Bug in the form of the handsome James Norton (Happy Valley, War and Peace, Grantchester) who was playing the stranger. He was so close to me at points, stripped down to a pair of baggy boxer shorts and displaying an admirable torso, that I almost had to sit on my hands before a restraining order was issued. My lustiness aside: Norton is a very fine actor. It’s a testament to his skills that in spite of his ubiquitous presence on our televisions, he subsumes the character with ease and his familiar face doesn’t make the viewer think of his other roles. He portrays a brooding ex-soldier with a polite gentlemanly manner and a burgeoning psychosis. He doesn’t miss a beat and unfailingly does justice to this tightly scripted piece.
CREDIT: Simon AnnandEqually superb is his co-star Kate Fleetwood (Medea, High Society, London Road). She’s all spiky edges and nervous tics as she prowls the room in hot pants and heels, toking on cigarettes and swigging wine. Any actor or actress who can draw my attention to their face whilst James Norton is on stage wearing very little, has to be a skilled practitioner indeed. Fleetwood is hypnotic and the interplay between the two characters is a master class in top quality acting.
This is definitely a 5 star show. Credit has to go to director Simon Evans for bringing this twenty-year-old piece to life and making it feel so fresh, vibrant and relevant. This isn’t an evening’s light entertainment but nor is it doomy and grim. There’s plenty of humour too. Just expect to leave the theatre feeling a little itchier and a little sweatier than when you first arrived.
Bug is playing at Found 111, London, until 7th May.
