|
Blue Elephant Theatre presents
DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY
Photo by Tina Engstrom
Writer: Andrew Morton
Director: Aaron Paterson
Stage Manager: Niamh De Valera
Blue Elephant Theatre
1 – 19 December 2009
A review by Jafar Iqbal for EXTRA! EXTRA!
As of writing this, Christmas is only twenty-one days away. Exactly three weeks away and everyone is getting into the spirit. Theatre at this time is an interesting place to be. On one side, you have the pantomimes – a mess of slapstick, colourful characters and all-round family entertainment; and on the other hand, you have the traditional nativity plays, with honest attempts made to educate audiences and create an altogether more wholesome and poignant production. Drive-Thru Nativity, Andrew Morton’s new play, is one example of such a play. Being performed this month at the Blue Elephant Theatre, this short play is a light-hearted comedy set in a car park in America. Six individuals have gathered together to perform in drive-thru nativities for the cars that are passing by. Of course, the night does not run smoothly – they are short one wise man, the shepherd doesn’t really seem to care, and the donkey is frustrated at not having a bigger role. What really seems to bother everyone, however, is the reason for why they’re there: do they really believe in the story of the birth of Christ or not? What really works in this play is the simplicity of it all; it is almost endearing. A large stage is filled with props and some semblance of a set, but it is basic and offers a great deal of space for the actors to work within. The characters, too, are very human and just extravagant enough not to feel extraordinary. The performances are grounded and very well-acted, the actor’s having a good grasp of their roles. A quick mention has to be made about the absence of Chris Skinner, who was due to play Joseph. An accident forced him out of the production, putting director Aaron Paterson in at short notice. It was clear that Paterson was not as comfortable on stage, but he handled it as well as anyone could have, and so should not be seen as a criticism. It would be difficult to pick out one actor as the better performer over the others, as each one is given their moment to shine and excel. The script is well written, though perhaps not as funny as it intends to be at times, but it flows well and keeps the audience drawn in throughout. Direction, too, is very strong; again, it is a very large space and used very well. The stand-out of the production, for me, is definitely the carol-singing. The cast get dressed into their costumes as the audience walk in and, whilst some sing carols, other members of the cast greet and chat with the audience. Carols are also sung during scene changes instead of music; and finally, the production ends with an amazing carol to send everyone home happy. Drive-Thru Nativity is a feel-good show that sets out simply to bring a smile to people’s faces, and it does this with ease. It may not be the strongest of shows, script-wise, and some unfortunate casting issues hurt the production on the night, but you go away feeling that Christmas spirit. And you couldn’t ask for anything more.
Tickets: £12.50 (£10 concessions, £8 Southwark residents) Tuesday – Saturday 8pm (also 1.30pm matinee on 15th December) Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, Camberwell, London SE5 0XT http://www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk Box Office: 020 7701 0100
Copyright © EXTRA! EXTRA All rights reserved
|
