I had the pleasure of attending a captivating and intimate theatrical performance of 'TWO' by Jim Cartwright, skillfully presented by the talented members of the Sutton Amateur Dramatic Club. The play occurred at The Cryer Arts Centre in Carshalton, providing a cosy and welcoming atmosphere for the audience to immerse themselves in the unfolding story.
If you're a regular reader of The Observer, you know it's not uncommon for us to experience community theatre in hybrid venues known as Arts or cultural and heritage centres. These versatile venues have emerged out of necessity over the past few decades as local theatres and more traditional performance spaces closed or were repurposed. As the world shifts, so do the arts, but none have battled uphill more than the AmDram community. And we're still here, like the SADC - who have been going for over one hundred years.
After a delightful and perfectly charming welcome, I took my seat and admired the space itself for a few moments before showtime. The play was a perfect fit for the venue's intimate and aesthetically unembellished style, showcasing the versatility of these spaces. They can adapt to suit diverse styles and create different vibes, making them a valuable asset in these more modern venues.
The story spans a solitary night in a northern pub run by a rather emotionally estranged couple who weren't always that way. The central thread of the show follows the landlord and landlady on what could be described as an average night at your local.
At first glance, 'TWO' may seem like a light-hearted comedy. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this narrative delves deep into the complexities of human nature. The most potent tragedies often masquerade as comedies, and 'TWO' is a prime example. The show's raw, human, and humorous storytelling will keep you engaged and thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Let's move on to the part where I express my admiration for Aimee Wallis (Landlady) and Brian Aris (Landlord).
The two actors in 'TWO' don't just play their roles; they fully embody the many characters they portray. Their performances bring such depth and authenticity to the characters that you can't help but feel a strong connection to these real people with real stories. Their talent is admirable, and their performances will stay with you long after the show ends.
Photo Credit - Liz Plumb
It's quite remarkable how distinct Jim Cartwright's work as a playwright stood out to me. I instantly recognised his work, not that I knew it at the time. My thoughts drifted back to a show I saw in college called 'Road'. But it was when sitting down to write this review, I did some slight digging and discovered they were by the same playwright. This is extraordinary and an explicit endorsement of Jim Cartwright and the consistency of the tone of his work.
Throughout the show, we drifted away from the landlord and landlady to focus on a handful of the evening's punters, which served to hammer home the play's core tenets. Amy & Brian also take on the various roles of self-styled ladies' man and the only woman who will have him, timid wife and abusive husband, among quite a few others.
The message deeply resonated with me, evoking profound reflections on the intricate tapestry of life and the complex web of human relationships. It poignantly captured the struggle of fitting our inner voids with the flaws of others, akin to the challenge of assembling a jigsaw puzzle. This interplay sometimes paints a poignant, stark picture, while at other times, it unveils a breathtaking and beautiful mosaic of human connection.
David Hedges deserves tremendous credit for his ability to seamlessly combine various elements and create an authentic production. His skilful direction has resulted in a genuine and meaningful response from the audience of which I was a part.
Ultimately - "TWO" is a portrayal of a harsh reality, showcasing our lives through the austere lens of a pub. It delves into the details of everyday life, depicting it as extraordinary, mundane, and comedic simultaneously.
Additionally, it is a treat for performers to step into the shoes of so many characters at once and an even bigger treat for the audience.
This is why 'TWO' is the second the show to receive a five star rating.
Sutton Amateur Dramatic Club | Website
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