Love and Money ,Chapter Arts,11.4.2013

The track record of playwright Dennis Kelly is impressive and in this production Director Ryan Romain has got the best out of both the script and a fine cast.

Contemporary in context this play is also classical in its concerns.

Love of money is not new but its ability to grip the windpipe is a feature of this production.This play requires concentration , to both get the one liners and to put them to one side.

The actors have to play several roles in short order, doing so convincingly requires great skill, there is no shortage of that here.

Will Thorp’s David was played with barely contained rage and exquisite tenderness.At times the mania was reminscent of the late Van Gogh to whom there was a similarity.

Jess played by Sara Lloyd-Gregory took us from bimbo to the Higgs-Boson via wannabe alcoholism and real shopaholicism with gusto and drive.

It was improbable that the arch materialist, anti-religious and amazonian dominatrix played by Joanna Simpkins could be  plausible as the all too easily groomed Debbie, played by the same actor,but it was.from vixen to vulnerable in no time at all.

Gareth Milton took four parts and was somewhat overstretched as a consequence and was not helped by some of the costumes.

In the graveyard scene Keiron Self playing the distraught father displayed great timing and comic ability. He was perfectly augmented by Rebecca Harries playing the mother with a rage borne of guilt and a tenderness borne of love.

The combined ability of the cast  to engage in multiple dialogues was a tough test but one that they managed admirably.

All this takes place on a single Zen-like set where careful lighting and Satie-esque music combine with projection to produce a focus without frivolity or distraction.

This is a production for grown ups of all ages, not because of the language, which might be a little otiose for some tastes,but because of its essential concerns.They are explored in this production with care , precision and conviction.

A full house enjoyed it and so did I.

BRIAN ROPER