An impressive performance that raises a glass to those who are often misheard
When the sun’s out, where can you often find Londonders? The local boozer is certainly your best bet, and Jim Cartwright’s TWO provided for a perfect evening of entertainment. Set in a bar, the talented Peter Caulfield and Kellie Shirley welcome us into the hustle and bustle of life within and beyond the pub. From the off, we are introduced to the pure skill and commitment of the actors as they serve drinks, collect glasses and provide an authentic montage of demanding hospitality work.
Originally written in 1989 and first performed at the Bolton Octagon Theatre, Cartwright’s play seeks to tell the tale behind the drunken regulars, odd tourists and inter-generational punters that visit the pub. Playing 14 different characters, the audience gets to experience the inner turmoil and relationships that are often overlooked.
James Haddrell’s direction is on point. From the swift costume transitions to neat entrances and exits, the performance struggles to miss a beat. The characters mostly feel full, and particular stand out characterisation lies in authentic accent work and body language. We meet a range of pub goers, from old ladies to hilarious eccentric couples. The story begins with the pub’s landowners, and from the play’s beginning, we learn of a lengthy and complicated life-work relationship.
Though the pace and rehearsed transitions are highly applaudable, the weight of showcasing fourteen different characters does somewhat come to show. Some punters demonstrate some darker themes, which could dictate an entire play. Where an emotionally and physically abused couple come into the picture, it seems the demands of the play’s rapid multirolling reduce the space and attention that is needed for such situations. The moment a young boy walks into the bar sparks a turn in the relationship between the landlady and landlord, and we see an emotional breakdown from both sides. This moment is rather heavy-hitting and allows for an emotive opening from the bartenders. Nearing the end of the play, this moment adds to an intense buildup. Though very key, I think the outburst that this child’s entering the establishment caused would have benefited from some previous hints from the landlords.
Nevertheless, the commitment to characterisation and audience is quite spectacular. The joy and warmth that accompany the familiar pub setting are a credit to all of TWO’s creative team. Where the set and direction are on point, the energy and dedication of both Peter Caulfeild and Kellie Shirley in performing as fourteen different characters is really impressive. The play leaves the audience with an abundance of feelings. TWO makes you feel warm, sad, giddy and ready to go to the pub, all at the same time.