Review: Schmuck Off

Article published: Saturday, December 11th 2010

Schmuck off – a celebration of new and upcoming talent – is the latest production from Schmucks Theatre Company. Six plays are performed back-to-back at Taurus Bar on Canal Street, treating a diversity of subject-matter from lesbians who cannot decide on a suitable method of conceiving a child, to a mother-son relationship that has fractured to the point of pity. Mohsin Iqbal reviews for MULE.

Schmucks Theatre is an ensemble that was conceived in late 2009 with the express intention of showcasing new talent and providing an outlet for those involved to demonstrate their abilities. Schmuck off follows on from their earlier success of The Carroll Myth. The first play, Fuzzy Old Dial TV by Jo Gewirtz, is an insight into the dynamics of a mother-son relationship that sours as the mother’s love for her child is tested by his unfathomable and odious actions. Richard Edwards is excellent as the boisterous son James, while Miek Gracer is touchingly competent after a shaky start as Susie, the frail mother. Both performances combine to create a work that questions the boundaries of a mother’s love for their child.

Hasn’t Met the Right Man Yet is a play that will divide audiences with its crude yet funny dialogue from two ‘desperate dyke’ lesbians who, initially, crave a child. Written by Frances Anderson and directed by Sarah Eastaff, it is a raging delight that drew laughs from the audience, especially from the rambunctious Jane, played by Emma Jones. Culminating in a hilarious show of shallow reasoning as to why adopt above all else, Hasn’t Met the Right Man Yet is an excellently written play.

The Mourning Party is an ambiguous affair that has the air of an unfinished play about it; a disappointment which does however show some promise with moments of excellent interspersed dialogue. On the whole it left a lot to be desired by its writer. Artist Unknown meanwhile was conspicuously the best received and superior to all other competition on the night. A perspicacious and spectacularly written dialogue from Nathan Shreeve, Artist Unknown is a play of insight, drunkenness and procrastination from Nicola Jeanne as the eponymous ‘Artist’. Performing brilliantly Jeanne revels in her own flaws all the while imparting advice on her proficient grasp of snaring men.

The Complex Man, written by Matt Chase and directed by Kitty Critchley is deserving of praise, though only for the Wayne Allsop’s superb portrayal. Although at times the philosophical story-telling may leave the audience baffled as it seems little more than the ranting of a man too deeply indulged in his own arrogance, Allsop’s energetic performance proved a saving grace.

Bereft, written by Katrina Ives and directed by Frances Anderson was a competent play about a woman who throws away everything that is coveted greatly by another. Again, Richard Edwards excels as Mr Cotton however brief his part may have been, whilst Nia Coleman is tremendous as the delicate and weak Rosie, who on the inside seems to have a destroyed soul after choosing to undergo an abortion.

Schmucks Theatre succeed in bringing an array of entertaining theatrical work to the public at several venues in Manchester and Buxton, even if the quality of two of the plays was questionable. Overall Schmuck off shows great potential; and the talent that Schmucks Theatre has at its disposal – highlighted by the performance of Richard Edwards and in Artist Unknown – came to the fore.

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Comments

1. After reading MULE newsletter recently, who’s tagline is: ‘News With a Kick’ and seeing The Complex Man at Matts and Phreds – has your reviewer understood this play? I would assume that anybody working for such a radical, anarchist organisation would at least have got some of it! If you don’t understand a play or anything for that matter – at least say so instead of dismissing what I thought was a well written, wise, thought provoking and well-researched piece of theatre. ‘Philosophical’ ?? Look up ‘Lawful Rebellion’ and ‘Freeman of the land’ – I did and it shed even more light on this groundbreaking performance.
   I personally hope that Matt Chase develops this particular piece and have contacted him to say so.

   D.

   Comment by David L on January 9, 2011 at 7:24 pm

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