Rattle Snake
Written by Catrina McHugh
Directed by Charlotte Bennett
Live Theatre
Broad Chare, Quayside,
Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3DQ
Thursday 21st - Saturday 30 September
2017
We were full of excitement arriving at Newcastle’s
Live Theatre, looking forward to the ‘World Premier’ of ‘Rattle Snake’ from a
highly talented production, writing and acting ensemble.
I have got to say we were not disappointed!
This is a great venue. We left a comfortable bar
area and ventured into the theatre with stalls a balcony and sophisticated
cabaret-seating.
The performance area, enclosed within a square 3D frame
using almost all of the stage contained a dining table set for two. This and some
effective sound and lighting was all that was needed to focus the audiences’
attention on this gripping piece of work.
The story of Suzy (Christina Berriman-Dawson) and
Jen (Eilidh Talman) and their experience in an abusive controlling relationship
(Coercive Control) was developed working with victims and the police. Though
not a true story it is based upon true experience.
Some nifty delivery of ‘When I’m gone’ (The cup
song) gets us underway and this not only gives the audience an idea of the preparation
of the play, but also how in tune these excellent two actors are with each
other.
The dynamic of the play, took me a little time to
understand but actually became totally absorbing and was certainly worth
sticking with.
A play about domestic violence will never make an
audience comfortable; it’s not meant to. But, the team delivering ‘Rattle Snake’
has succeeded in producing a truly powerful and thought-provoking piece of
theatre audiences will richly value.
Rattle Snake is touring the region before transferring to York Theatre Royal (17-21
October) and Soho Theatre, London (23-28 October). For more information visit www.openclasp.org.uk
Running time 1 hour
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