THEATRE | Previews
PREVIEW DRAMA AND THE BEAT GOES ON Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, Wed 8 Apr; Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow, Thu 9 Apr; Paisley Arts Centre, Tues 21 Apr; Gardyne Theatre, Dundee, Wed 22 Apr; macrobert, Stirling, Thu 23–Fri 24 Apr.
Set in the late 1980s – long after Sonny and Cher had divorced, and Cher was on the cusp of making her spectacular comeback – Stef Smith’s new play unfolds the aftermath of a personal tragedy. The central idea, a married couple caught up in private re- enactments of The Sonny and Cher show, appears quirky at first, with Johnny McKnight sporting a comic moustache and a tuneless approximation of Sonny’s drawl. Yet as the couple’s past is revealed, thanks to the attention of a nosey neighbour, their obsession is exposed as a way of avoiding the horror at the heart of their mundane lives.
Smith’s script is complex and layered. The simple story is complicated by the couple’s complicity in hiding each other from the truth, and Sonny and Cher, themselves a parody of the hippy couple, and hiding their marital problems beneath show- business schmaltz, become a symbol of a more innocent past.
The slow unveiling of the catastrophe that propelled the couple into their delusion world allows the script to consider its impact on their lives, rather than using it as a sharp shock: by the time the duo convene for their final number, McKnight’s character is entering a complete meltdown, held up by his wife, who is inhabited by her sardonic Cher persona. It is as if, to escape their past, they have hidden inside their favourite celebrities.
While the performances are solid, there is a slight lack of conviction in places and the pace meanders at times: Kenny Miller’s design and direction is respectful of Smith’s script, but the claustrophobia of the relationship is more stated than felt. Yet Smith’s words manage to make this sympathetic and sinister entertainment. (Gareth K Vile)
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highly- acclaimed National Theatre production embarks on its first ever nationwide tour. Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world…
Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night- Time is a thrilling new stage play from the National Theatre.
“A phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle” The Times “A beautiful, ingenious and deeply felt production” Daily Telegraph
“Magical and Moving” Daily Mail
The List are giving away four pairs of ticket to the Opening Night of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Festival Theatre on Tue 28 Apr, 7.30pm. To be in with a chance of winning just log on to list.co.uk/offers and tell us: Who wrote the novel, ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’?
Festival Theatre 13/29 Nicolson Street Edinburgh, EH8 9FT Tue 28 April - Sat 9 May 2015 Book now at edtheatres.com
108 THE LIST 2 Apr–4 Jun 2015
TERMS & CONDITIONS: COMPETITION CLOSES MON 20 APR. PRIZE IS A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR THE PERFORMANCE AT 7.30PM ON TUE 28 APR.
TICKETS CANNOT BE EXCHANGED AND A CASH ALTERNATIVE IS NOT AVAILABLE. USUAL LIST RULES APPLY.