Brilliantly acted and superbly written,
This is a fiercely intelligent, masterfully acted theatrical treat, which prompts tears of both laughter and sympathy.
The questioning of both characters’ motives for engaging in the conflict that has led to the play is probed informatively and with great sensitivity through the course of this dazzlingly intelligent script. Greenhough has clearly researched contemporary academic views on terrorism, so much so that the character of Danny should almost come with a citation to the work of political scientist Professor Louise Richardson. That is the intellectual level on which this show is operating.
Blocking and staging nicely mirror the constantly changing status of both leads, without ever being too obvious about it. Whether it was a deliberate choice or not, the dingy stone walls of Just The Tonic’s Fancy Room are perfectly atmospheric. Both Greenhough and Birdi give naturalistic performances appropriate to a message so obviously rooted in present-day issues. Birdi borrows the style for many of Danny’s funnier moments from arguably the most famous contemporary terrorist comedy, Chris Morris’ Four Lions, but also gives the character a heartstring-tugging emotional conflict and engaging hint of naivety appropriate to the script’s overarching theme of childishness. His tiny leg twitches and eye movements are an acting masterclass and his bold delivery choices are the mark of a skilled creative artist.
This is a fiercely intelligent, masterfully acted theatrical treat, which prompts tears of both laughter and sympathy.
