REVIEW: The Shape of Things at Park Theatre 200

When a play opens with the seminal 90s hit ‘the female of the Species’ you know it’s making a firm statement about the subject matter. Most will recognise the phrase as a top 20 hit for Liverpool band Space, but its origins lie in a legendary poem by Rudyard Kipling. He remarked on the greater deadliness of female bears and cobras compared to their male counterparts. Applied in a modern context it might be seen as a metaphor for the influence women can exert over men. Writer Neil LaBute explores these themes and other romantic dilemmas in this thoroughly entertaining play, now revived at the excellent Park Theatre.

The story begins with Adam (Luke Newton) working at an art gallery, one of two jobs he holds down to pay his way through college. He meets the quirky and mysterious Evelyn (Amber Anderson) who is majoring in modern arts. Adam falls instantly and madly in love with Evelyn. She soon discovers a malleability that gives her a distinct edge in their relationship. Adam is anxious to please and dutifully complies with some carefully placed suggestions of self-improvement. Adam’s best friend Phil (Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy) is incredulous that he’s fallen for such cheap manipulation. The tension gently cranks up as Phil is dating Adam’s old flame Jenny (Carla Harrison-Hodge).

REVIEW: A Single Man at Park Theatre 200

Where historical snapshots are concerned 1962 was a momentous year. John F. Kennedy was US President and the Beatles released their first single. Marilyn Monroe died and the 1960s, as we came to understand them, were about to be unleashed. In October the Cuban Missile Crisis threatened Armageddon. East and West were locked in a deadly game of brinkmanship as the world held its breath. Set against this backdrop is a tale of love and loss hidden in plain sight. Based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man was turned into a successful film starring Colin Firth in 2009. This stage adaptation by Simon Reade now finds a natural home at Park Theatre.

George (Theo Fraser Steele) is an expatriate English professor in Los Angeles. He is still coming to terms with the loss of his partner Jim in a road accident the previous year. The story follows one day in his life, beginning just like any other. George still feels like an Englishman abroad even after 20 years on the West Coast. His neighbours are ever inquisitive about this erudite gentleman in their midst. Archetypal American couple the Strunks (Phoebe Pryce and Freddie Gaminara) wonder what happened to his 'friend' Jim. George is content to let them think he just moved away rather than explain his melancholy. He constantly fights loneliness and leans on fellow ex-pat Charley (Olivia Darnley) for comfort. However, his attentions are increasingly diverted by handsome, talkative pupil Kenny (Miles Molan).