“The intense humanity of a pub’s motley crew of regulars is on full display in this immersive production”
Jim Cartwright’s Two transforms the on-site café at The Greenwich Theatre into ‘The Clock & Compass’, a working class 1980s pub. Seated at well-worn tables in the bar, the audience are introduced to a set of characters adeptly played by Peter Caulfield and Kellie Shirley. Some comic, others tragic, but all well-sketched, coming together to deliver as many laughs as tears over the show’s 90 minutes.
Two’s biggest strength is its acting, with Caulfield and Shirley’s blistering chemistry delivering standout performances. Well-considered wardrobe, mannerisms, and accents ensure each character is fully realised. From the jack-the-lad chancing his luck with every lady he makes eye contact with, to the hobbling old lady whose daily drink the landlord can set his watch by, every patron offers a unique outlook on the world.
A particular highlight is the increasingly aggressive and paranoid boyfriend, who forces his girlfriend to ask permission to use the bathroom. This is one of the most heart-wrenching scenes I’ve seen, amplified by the fact it’s happening just feet away from you.
The comedy offers a strong mix of acerbic put-downs, observational irony and physicality. The opening act is perhaps over-reliant on these light-hearted interactions, whereas its second half strikes a much better balance between the dramatic and humorous and is all the more compelling for it.
Between scenes, the married landlord and lady act as recurring characters: the husband makes the same jokes to the same people at the same time each evening, and when things get tough his wife combines spirits from multiple optics to make a proto-Long Island Iced Tea. Life is difficult when all your social and professional interactions play out within the same four walls, and when a patron puts his foot in it just before the interval this hints at darker things to come. “Oh, you didn’t hear…” says Shirley, realising through misty eyes, foreshadowing a powerful finale.
The immersion is high: if you’re lucky the actors will even serve your pre-show drink from behind the bar. The pub ‘set’ is brought to life by the scampi fries beside the lager, fag ends in cut-glass ashtrays at every table, and a fading England flag on the wall. Dialogue is directed at audience members with no expectation of response – the most interaction required is raising your glass as a sign of respect. This initially feels a little awkward but soon fades as Two gains momentum.
This immersion makes for the least monologue-feeling monologues of all time, enlisting not just the audience but the pub itself as additional characters. There’s a sense of dynamism and reciprocation that the drama in particular benefits from, with scenes becoming all the more affecting for their proximity. It’s like being dropped into your favourite soap opera, but with world-class acting.
Two’s run at The Greenwich Theatre has already been extended, and it’s easy to see why. As well as compelling drama and a good few laughs, the show is a love letter to a certain type of down-at-heel, family-run boozer. Whilst there are a few issues with pacing in the first half, when the drama lands it lands hard. You won’t regret taking a seat at the bar for this intensely emotional experience.
Two plays at The Greenwich Theatre until 21st September, with a range of start times. Tickets can be purchased here.