Theatre Review - NOT FROM CONCENTRATE - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Written by P.W Sowerby, Not from Concentrate is the winner of the People’s Play Award (a competition run by the People’s theatre to promote up and coming playwrights). You can definitely see what gave it the winning edge. Packed with snappy dialogue and dark humour, the show feels like it has come from the hands of a seasoned pro. We follow a frustrated playwright as he tries in vain to finish his next show. All the while, he is haunted by the success of his first ever script and his inability to write from a ‘real’ place.

 

Will, Lucy, Samantha photo Paul Hood

Director Andrew De’Ath and Assistant Director Katy Thomas crafted a well-timed show that leant into the humour of the situation and brought out the vibrancy of the characters. Steve Appleby designed a simple but effective set which helped to frame the drama in Act Two perfectly, with Andrew Glancey’s lighting design providing the cherry on top of a pristine cake. Jess Chapman, Ben Watkins and Ruth Gibson played the hilarious actors Megan, Gav and Annie as they tried valiantly to make the many re-writes work. Robbie Close played Will, the more successful and slightly sleazy best friend, with excellent timing. Benjamin the playwright, played by Ian Willis, is a droll narcissistic mess, held together by his two female employees, Samantha and Kerry. Ian Willis demonstrated a very well-executed portrayal of the mental anguish that Benjamin had, whilst also drawing great humour from his sarcastic nature. Kerry, who works as his PA, is played by Abigail Martin and pushes Benjamin to be better whilst keeping the audience chuckling at her witty retorts. Emily Jeffrey was confident and relaxed in her role as housekeeper Samantha - you could see Samantha had genuine empathy for Benjamin, despite her frustration with him. Now we come to my favourite character of the show, and one of the People’s theatre’s finest actors, Alison Carr as Benjamin’s batty sister Lucy – she is simply a sensation!

 

Benjamin & Samantha photo Paul Hood

The show is reasonably short, only running for 100 minutes including a 20 minute interval, and contains strong language. A very enjoyable evening out.

 

Not from Concentrate is running at the People’s Theatre from until 10^th June.