OLEANNA: David Mamet till 16 September

New Vic Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire. www.newvictheatre.org.uk

Runs: 1hr 30mins. No Interval. Box office 01782 717962 runs until Saturday 16th September 2006

Ranjit Khutan: 1st September 2006

Still marvellously strong
The set consists of a University academics office allowing us to picture the scene very clearly in our own minds and thus does not distract from Mamet’s dialogue, which is complex and captivating.

Although written over a decade ago (where Mamet originally based the play on the American University system) Richard Willis gives a sensitive and confident performance of John, enabling us to see how lecturers in modern universities (both in the US and the UK) face difficulties with regard to encouraging students to question knowledge, whilst at the same time overcome challenges of political correctness and the growing litigation culture.

Laura Doddington’s Carol is confused (as she continually tells us) and thus annoying – with an underlying sense of control and planning or scheming that presents itself later in a bittersweet well executed fashion. So convincing is she in her portrayal of Carol that you want to shout out and say something to her. I initially thought that my empathy for John was biased, but others in the audience were also sighing or taking in gasps of breath at Carol’s actions.

The conflict between the characters is managed by Director Conrad Nelson with precision and played out with conviction, leading us to try and understand differing viewpoints in a twoing and froing manner. This anxiety to attempt to understand these characters is heightened when we are continually interrupted by the telephone and the staccato-like conversation John has with his wife on the phone.

A brilliantly performed piece which allows concepts in the dialogue to take centre stage.

Carol (student): Laura Doddington
John (lecturer): Richard Willis

Director: Conrad Nelson
Designer: Pip Leckenby
Lighting Designer: Jo Dawson
Sound design: James Earl-Davis
Fight Director: Kate Waters
Deputy Stage Manager: Struan Sewell
Assistant Stage Manager: Imogen Ensoll
Stage Management Trainee: Steve Hall

2006-09-06 14:48:03