Free Time Radical Review

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Rating (out of 5)
3
Show info
Company
The Frequency D'ici and New Wolsey Theatre
Production
Jamie Wood (director), Ric Watts (producer), James Lewis (set designer), Cis O'Boyle (lighting designer), Dave Dodd (sound designer)
Performers
Tom Frankland (Jensen), Sébastien Lawson (Ali)
Running time
70mins

Two men find themselves castaways from life as a huge flood engulfs the UK. Seemingly trapped by the surging waters they realise that the accoutrements of modern life are largely useless to them and make plans to eke out their motley supplies.

The days pass almost without them noticing as they take shelter from the chaos and devastation around them and take comfort from the familiar with references to movies, stars of the skate boarding circuit and an almost spiritual devotion to surfing.

There is however an under current - there appear to be deeper relationship issues that they both would rather not face and it’s not just the inundation that’s making them feel ensnared. Perhaps they are unable to live in the moment and are less trapped than hiding.  And when the next big wave comes will they be able to ride it out?

There is a flood of ideas in this devised production but none seem to be fully realised. The look and feel of it is distinctive but the narrative is at times unclear and the hinted at search for spirituality isn’t developed. The characters remain irredeemably blokeish and are difficult to empathise with.

While there are a few nice touches, it’s not radical and never really reaches the high ground.

Show times: 3 - 28 (except 9, 16 and 23) August 2011 1.10pm

Ticket prices: £10.00 (£9.00) - £12.00 (£11.00)