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Dead dog in a suitcase
Birmingham Rep
***** IT SEEMS
something of a criminal act itself, that so much talent can be captured
in one place both in the on stage performers , and those in the
planning, design and execution of this first-class adaption of the
Beggars Opera. Kneehigh are not the first to have dabbled with
this classic tale of deceit and lechery but Dead Dog In a Suitcase, with
the precise direction of Mike Shepard, the expansive music of Charles
Hazelwood, coupled to the sharp wit of a Carl Gross script, takes this
adaption to a whole new level. It is perhaps the music of Charles Hazelwood that
dominates this radical rework, adding a far more contemporary and often
menacing score to the circumstances of those affected by the villain
Macheath. Then there is the design and direction which is n Add to that the actors who whilst executing the
precision needed in every moment of the play, never falter in bringing
to life the comedy or the emotion of their characters. Dominic Marsh
plays Macheath as a sort of wily David Essex grinning at his wrong
doings and forever dodging the bullet. Polly Peachum played by Angela Hardie transforms
from the white dressed innocent girl into the dark drowned spectre she
becomes and had some of the most poignant moments and sang beautifully. Beverly Rudd played Lucy Lockit, Macheaths
ignored yet pregnant girl and with her fantastic voice took some
enchanting melodies on into moments of face melting, blistering rock. Excellent performances came too from the comic
duo of Rina Fatania and Martin Hyder as Mr and Mrs Peachum, the unlikely
cartoon couple overpowered by ambition and corruption. Patrycja Kujawska played a key part in the music
lead as Widow Goodman and her passionate final violin performance in a
storm force and gripping ending was astounding. Giles King was the Kilted policeman, Colin Lockit,
striding around with his bull horn, manically obsessed with capturing
the elusive Macheath whilst Jack Shalloo played a variety of characters
namely Filtch and Terry and at several times a female blond pole
dancer. What added a real inventive twist to the
production were the puppets. Operated mainly by Sarah Wright, with Punch
and Judy, various animals and featuring a quartet of hilarious babies
which practically stole the show. I cannot praise this highly inventive and
original piece of theatre enough and it is a master class for anyone
interested in stage craft. The work rate and precision of the actors is
first class and not one moment, prop or cue is superfluous to the story
or without effect. Dead Dog in Suitcase might not be the most
engaging title but whilst many others have reworked the Beggars Opera to
good effect, Kneehigh have now made it their own. To 03-10-15. Jeff Grant
29-09-15
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othing
short of an expert display of staging. The team here use puppets,
lighting, audio, costume, props and just solid inventive ideas, which at
times seem to triple the cast in number all to great advantage. All of
this is played out on Michael Vales’ `climbing frame’ of a set, with the
stage wings open to view and the costume department at the back of the
main set, none of which seems remotely out of place and only adding to
the theatrical experience.