It has been a hectic week for Smallhousebigtrips as we moved house on Monday late afternoon (why don’t houses exchange in the morning?) And on Tuesday I headed to one of my favourite places, Birmingham Repertory Theatre with my friend Megan to watch Joe Penhall’s classic Blue/Orange, currently directed by Daniel Bailey.
I had been looking forward to this show for quite a while (it is on until 16th Feb so be sure to get your tickets) and I had high hopes for it.
Mostly because of the topics it covers and also as I had heard great things about Daniel Bailey.
I was not disappointed. In fact, it was better than I imagined.
The scenery was eye catching from the moment you walked in to take your seat. There were no scenery changes (other than lighting) but no scenery changes were needed. Everything was perfectly placed, Amelia Hankin had hit the nail on the head with the design.
The lighting (Azusa Ono) was great, it captured and captivated you. Their was one scene where Christopher (Ivan Oyik) was running around confused, scared, possibly even agitated. The lighting during this section was immense. It added to the emotions and feelings we had whilst watching Christopher.
For those who do not know what Blue/Orange is about, it is a minimalistic play in terms of cast, with only three cast members.
Bruce (played by Thomas Coombes), Robert (Richard Lintern) and Christopher (Ivan Oyik). The story follows Christopher, a young lad who is hospitalised in a psychiatric ward. He has been detained under the 28 day rule and is on Day 27. In 24 hours he is due to be released. Or is he?
Bruce is Christopher’s Psychiatric Doctor, he isn’t sure Christopher is ready to go home and would like the senior consultant Robert, to allow him to section Christopher.
I don’t want to spoil the play and I’m unsure I could cover every aspect of the layers and subjects touched within the performance. For a play that was written twenty years ago, it saddens me that although society has moved on and developed, the subjects covered within this play are still appropriate today.
A play full of very sensitive topics but perfectly directed and performed.
Well done Daniel Bailey, you did the show proud!
Disclaimer: I was gifted these tickets and have given an honest review in return. Professional photographs by Myah Jeffers.