Chris Eldon Lee reviews Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company’s premiere of ‘Circles’ which tours to Bridgnorth Theatre on the Steps on July 3rd and 4th.
There are plot lines in this play that put even the most superior soap story to shame.
There will be statistics somewhere telling us violence is a vicious circle. Writer Rachel De-lahay has squared right up to this pernicious issue in her new play ‘Circles’, weaving it skilfully into two ultimately interlocking scenarios.
She’s dealing here with the inescapable round of domestic abuse, handed down from generation to generation, and with the inevitable retribution of gang warfare. And to emphasise the tail chasing nature of both, she sets half the scenes on Birmingham’s circular night bus; the Number 11.
It is on the top deck that her boy-meets-girl story unfolds. Demi seems a nice girl from a good school and a highly unlikely flame for the streetwise chav Malachi. It’s appears to be a clear clash of class – but their bus banter charms your suspicions away.
In a house somewhere along the route, aging mother Phyllis and grown up daughter Angela nurse the physical blows their partners have rained upon them, and the mental scars of their disasterous relationships. They needle each other mercilessly; fighting and clinging.
If that sounds like a heavy night in the theatre, well it isn’t because the script snaps, crackles and pop with brilliant dialogue and the plotting cunningly conceals completely unexpected conclusions. Just like boarding the Number 11, it’s a journey with unpredictable companions.
Populating a set of graffiti-scratched plastic, all four characters are absolutely fascinating and superbly portrayed. The casting is spot on and director Tessa Walker squeezes every nuance out of them.
Danusia Samal is magnetic as the independent, colour-coordinated Demi. She’s coquettish and engaging, with a beguiling smile. But her swollen face should be a warning to Malachi, played with cleverly balanced duality by Toyin Kinch. His character displays great gusto when making loud mouthed calls to his cronies, and deep care when describing his games of chess with his mum. It’s a beautifully constructed and heart-warming chat up. But as they share an I-pod (above), they conceal sinister secrets.
Sarah Manners has a huge stage presence for a slight woman, and God! can she put a strop on. Her’s is a penetrating portrayal of an unrealistic young mother escaping from a broken relationship but failing to escape from her violence-conditioned self. Whilst she waits for the Prince Charming that never comes your heart breaks.
Janice McKenzie inhabits the one rooted character like a well-worn overall; the down to earth Brummie mummy who’s seen most of life, knows what will come of it all, but is unable to persuade her brood to stay away “from the lot of them”. And underlying these exquisitely painted relationships is a very strong sense of the lure of knife life.
It’s a very clever, brilliantly performed play which gets right to the core of these ugly issues, delivering its punches in a nodding and strangely charming way. Watching it, your blood runs hot and cold and your brain works overtime.
‘Circles’ will be an unfamiliar treat for Shropshire audiences so please don’t let the Birmingham-ness of it all put you off.
Visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk for information about Birmingham Rep.
Photo : Graeme Braidwood