Brighton Fringe 2007
Low Down
a charming tale told with a lively combination of script, physical comedy and visual storytelling.
Review
Unpacked Theatre’s production “Idyll- a comic lament” is a charming tale told with a lively combination of script, physical comedy and visual storytelling. From the very first moments of this sold out premier the audience were firmly on side, responding to the engaging performance with genuine belly laughs.
The play is the tale of two chalk and cheese brothers and their relationship with their domineering father. Darren East and Gilbert Taylor are a worthy double act and their physical differences accentuate their characters: East’s timid and awkward stay at home son a natural compliment to Taylor’s more confident, muscular prodigal.
Their performances are individually strong but this is very much a double act and our enjoyment comes from their interaction with each other and with the minimum set and props they use to tell their story. There are some delightful touches that use the set to maximum effect and some athletic stunts that keep the pace moving. There is plenty of variety to keep our attention and the play flies by so I found myself surprised it was all over so soon.
I personally didn’t find it as laugh out loud funny as some in the audience but I was in the minority here. This is an excellent performance that sets a high standard for fringe theatre. Go and see this play.
A side note- it was great to see the care and attention that Prodigal Theatre have lavished on the Nightingale. The place has been transformed from an occasional venue above a pub to a full time theatre and studio space that looks and feels professional while keeping its intimate atmosphere.
