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Power to the #people
Paul Moriarty (General Hume, Chief of the Defence Staff) and Gerald Kyd (Michael, Prime Minister) Picture: Patricia Baldwin Feed the BeastBirmingham Rep Studio**** Feed the Beast is premiering at
Birmingham REP’s Studio and shows us what lies behind the minds of those
of power within our government. This production couldn’t have come at a better
time. With a general election just around the corner, audience members
would want to see how their vote can be influenced, however writer Steve
Thompson gives no hint of a political bias. The story unfolds within the main office of
Number Ten. The set is very intricate, giving the illusion of grandeur
and seriousness. The drama unfolds within the confines of this
office, a great vision from designer Libby Watson. A true sense of importance is instantly seen as
we are surrounded by large oak tables, desks and fantastic detailing
even to the electrical lamps and photo frames, constantly showing the
image of history. All of the drama is seen within this office and
there is a clear direct story, showing the Prime Minister’s struggle
serving his country, but also having the time and commitment to be there
for his family. We see how those influencing him affect how the
country is run. What makes this play interesting is the fact that there
is no hint as to what party Prime Minister Michael, played superbly by
Gerald Kyd, belongs to. Even the costumes leave no suggestion of a
political bias. Michael is dressed predominately in blue; however his
close colleagues are dressed in neutral costume, even red and yellow.
Transitions are executed with a projection of technology and swift scene
changes from the cast, constantly reminding us that the power of social
media is an influence stronger than us all. Throughout the play, we are compelled to feel
great sympathy for Michael. Those working alongside him are the real
influencers of how the country is run, we see Michael in a constant
battle between his demanding socialist views and exactly what the
country expects from him. The real pressure is that Michael tries to
protect his family and his personal life from the media, but later finds
out that the public are a beast that must be fed. The cast is strong and serves the purpose of the
playwright with unbelievable justice. Gerald Kyd is an excellent Prime
Minister, delivering the emotional struggle between being in the role of
the most influential person in the country, and leading a ‘normal’ life
with his family. Michael’s wife, played by the fiery Badria Timimi,
gives a touching sense of reality within the family of the government.
She is acts as a reminder to Michael that family are of equal importance
within politics. Also, Aimee Powell is bright and endearing as the
teenage daughter Ellie. Altogether, Kyd, Timimi and Powell are a force
to reckon with and make a great trio. Their individual journeys that
come together are uplifting to behold, especially in a wonderful moment
at the very end of the play. Kacey Ainsworth plays the Leader of the House of
Commons with a fantastic strength. Her passion for the role is beautiful
to watch and Ainsworth tackles the meaty role superbly. She is the main
influencer of Michael’s party and works with him closely in his
professional role. Another wonderful performance came from Shaun
Mason, playing Scott and Robert. Mason is the bridge between the public
and the Prime Minister and so must contain the struggle of having to
feed the social media beast. He is a real sensation on stage and works
the role with a unique sense of power and command. There were also striking performances from Amy
Marston as Heather and the Curator of Chequers, Paul Moriarty as
Chairman Denis and General Hume and Tristan Wymark as Clive and Anthony.
There was a great addition of a chorus of Supernumeraries played by
local Birmingham actors. Feed the Beast is a wonderful comment on the
power of the social media in today’s day and age, and how it influences
the politics of our time. Through social topics, we can see the inside
of Number Ten in a different light. Elizabeth Halpen21-04-15
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