| 11 August 2009
Underbelly
10-29 August, 15.30
The bleakness of this dark production is perfectly suited to the crepuscular caverns of the Underbelly. We meet two men who share a flat, Ziggy – or Graham as he was known before ‘baptism’ – and Gary (though in fact Gary resides contentedly in a Beckettian box).
The beginning of the tale teeters on the verge of nonsense for long enough to make the audience feel slightly uncomfortable but then gradually, and masterfully, details and plot lines come together to cohere the story. They are awaiting Judgement Day and the coming of the Apostle David - Bowie, that is. The build up of suspense is palpable as a succession of signs become clearer and clearer (though only to them) that the time is nigh, culminating in the arrival of a mysterious young girl. Is the angel in their midst the all important 77th sign...?
The three cast members give incredibly committed performances: Ziggy’s unnerving fervour, Gary’s schizophrenic nature and the dawning realisation of Lady Stardust of her incarceration in a dingy flat full of zealots make the audience visibly shudder at times. Though the play deals with weighty material the portrayal of the characters draws out dark strands of comedy, with the Bowie quotes interspersed throughout providing an extra treat.
While at times the drama can feel a little slow to develop, the way the different elements come together at the conclusion is powerful and provocative, with the audience left feeling unsettled. This production looks set to become another success for young playwright Bea Roberts.
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