|
|
|
|
|
Joe Shipman as Jim with the cast and musicians of Narvik Narvik
Foyle Studio
MAC Birmingham
***** NARVIK, a play with songs written by
Lizzie Nunnery opens in the present day with 90 year old Liverpudlian
Jim Callaghan (Joe Shipman) collapsing and taking his final breaths. As his life events flash before his eyes, we are
transported to Norway where Jim, as a young man, is working on the
fishing boats. He meets the beautiful Else Dahl (Nina Yndis) at
a dance and a romance is ignited. We move forward in time to the German
occupation of Norway during World War 2, and Jim is serving on a British
Navy warship as a radio operator along with troubled Kenny Atwood (Lucas
Smith) and the two become friends. Interspersed with haunting folk music
and songs, a captivating story of troubled friendships, love, loss,
regret and horrors of war is woven into this beautifully written piece. The cubic, claustrophobic, industrial set; made up of scaffolding, pipes, metal grids, floors and walkways lit by a single light bulb works perfectly for all of the settings. Three ghostly musicians in grey boiler suits watch on whilst moving themselves around the set with well choreographed ease. Along with the musical accompaniment they provide and the atmospheric background sounds they never distract from the powerful, passionate dialogue but rather enrich the entire piece.
It is a technically brilliant production full of
tension, humour, tenderness, anger, fear and pathos. Supported by well
designed sound and lighting, you can almost smell the oil and grease of
the ship, the beer at the dance and the dankness in the cellar. All three actors give a
wonderfully intense performance. It is a master class in acting, with
perfect timing, delivery, flow and expression. Superbly directed by
Hannah Tyrell-Pinder, this emotional masterpiece has no weak links. Five
stars seem inadequate for a production of such quality. Box of Tricks
theatre are presently touring with Narvik – see their website
http://boxoftrickstheatre.co.uk
for dates. Rosemary Manjunath / Elizabeth Smith 18-02-17 |
|
|
|
