AN INTIMATE SPACE THAT TRULY MAKES YOU FEEL PART OF THE RAG-TAG GROUP OF CHARACTERS

By Georgia Chapman | @georgia_chapman99 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Five people come together at a community centre’s acting workshop. Over six weeks, how do the five go from counting to ten as a group to be at sixes and sevens? Head to Stoke Newington’s Tower Theatre to put two and two together.

THE PLAY

The play is fantastic at drawing out pauses and creating tension. It’s realistic in how acquaintances would interact with each other in awkward, tense and strange situations. From missing cheques to creating a tableau of your childhood bedroom, the odd ways to open up as an actor may just open you up to your cast mates.

Between the five characters, there are many different relationships: a married couple, a should’ve kept it as friends couple, friends and acquaintances. The actors are brilliant at portraying their different characters, and although they don’t look starkly different in age, from their behaviour and reactions to each other, you can understand their differences. For example, Lauren is 16, by the way Lauren holds herself, quite within herself with some diva like hair tossing or sharp head turns, you recognise the dramatic teenager.

THE CAST

Marty, played by Sangita Modgil

Sangita was brilliant at playing the quirky, eccentric workshop lead, with her soft-spoken voice and endearing eyes – she truly wanted all of her students to open up and make the most of her class.

James, played by Alan Maddrell

Alan played the quietly awkward James who seemed disconcerting and vacant, as though his wife had forced him to join. Later on the audience sees James’ intentions to stay may not have been for his wife.

Schultz, played by Cameron Hones

Shultz was a newly divorced, coy bachelor who liked woodworking and trying new things. Cameron played Shultz fantastically, ensuring the audience felt the pang of shame during his awkward moments but also felt empathy as they understood his situation and his kindness towards Marty.

Theresa, played by Siobhán Callaghan

Siobhán was the wide-eyed and excitable Theresa. She was fantastic at making the audience like her, then shocked them by going through an anti-Semitic rant. Siobhán’s emotion dove during the play as she went through more turbulent situations; it was really believable and intriguing to the audience.

Lauren, played by Cerys McLaren

Cerys was outstanding at playing the too cool for the workshop Lauren. You could tell from her demeanour and eye contact that she wasn’t pleased with the programme and expected more.

THE PRODUCTION

One thing that was amazing about the Tower Theatre was during the awful heatwave, the theatre was comfortable and cool. A great space to escape the disgusting heat.

The play was set in the round, so audience members truly felt a part of the workshop. Being in such an intimate space, you truly felt part of this rag-tag group.

Circle Mirror Transformation is running at Tower Theatre until Saturday 18 July.

WEBSITE

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Photo Credit: Pao Ros